Free to Love

By: Skylar Gutin

“I went 8 Valentine’s Day’s with a broken heart. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance; it’s about love. Family is the foundation of love. Valentine’s Day feels special again; my mom is home, and my heart is healed.”

-Mariah, Stephanie’s daughter

As we observe Valentine’s Day, we often think of love—the sweet moments shared between lovers, friends, and family. It’s a day that celebrates connection, joy, and affection. But for some, Valentine’s Day brings a reminder of what’s missing: the companionship of a partner or the longing for love that feels out of reach. And yet, there’s another group we seldom consider on this day: those whose chance to experience love, even the most basic forms, was stolen from them due to injustice.

Take Stephanie Spurgeon, for example. She was wrongfully imprisoned for eight and a half years, missing out on 8 Valentine’s Days and on the opportunity to share love with her family, friends, or partner. Before her conviction, Stephanie was married, a mother, and a dedicated home daycare provider. However, an injustice in the legal system led to her wrongful conviction for manslaughter and a 15-year sentence. During those years, she was separated from her loved ones, her freedom, and the opportunity to nurture the relationships she once had. And tragically, the mental toll of wrongful imprisonment cost her marriage.

Stephanie’s story isn’t necessarily unique, unfortunately. Many individuals wrongfully convicted experience similar emotional and psychological burdens. The prison system often creates and exacerbates mental health struggles rather than alleviating them. Studies show that 44% of incarcerated individuals suffer from mental health issues, and that number rises among people who are wrongfully convicted. The disconnection from family—coupled with the trauma of wrongful imprisonment—leaves many feeling isolated and unable to form new, meaningful relationships, even after their release.

In prison, maintaining any form of relationship becomes increasingly difficult. High phone costs, limited visitation, and the emotional strain on both incarcerated folks and their families create a barrier to staying connected. That disconnection doesn’t disappear once someone is freed. The emotional scars of isolation can persist, making it harder to rebuild trust and form new bonds. But despite the systemic barriers, love can still find a way. For some, it appears through new friendships, passionate pursuits, or, like for Stephanie, through reconnecting with love after being freed. The love and support from those around her—family, friends, and even the women she met behind bars—helped Stephanie heal. These relationships, forged through hardship and sacrifice, became the foundation on which she rebuilt her life. Even as she faced legal injustice, Stephanie held onto hope because of her unwavering belief in her innocence and the love she received from those who cared for her.

Stephanie’s journey is a reminder that love is more than just romantic. It’s about connection in all its forms—family, friends, and community. This Valentine’s Day, let’s shift our focus from what we lack and celebrate what we have—our freedom, the love around us, and the ability to seek justice for those who’ve been wrongfully denied it. Not everyone has the luxury of pursuing love freely. Some are still fighting for the chance to build the relationships they deserve. Stephanie now works as a paralegal with the Innocence Project of Florida, advocating for those wrongfully convicted like herself. She spends her time raising awareness, pushing for justice, and supporting others who’ve been affected by the legal system. But at the heart of everything she does is the love she shares with her family. Whether it’s her children, her grandchildren, or her partner, these connections keep her grounded. She’s not just a survivor of the system; she’s a symbol of resilience, the healing power of love, and the importance of family in rebuilding a life.

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s not just think about the love we have but also about those who need our love and support. If you have the means to spread the love this season, consider supporting the Innocence Project of Florida and its mission. By doing so, you can help give others the opportunity to experience the love they’ve been denied. Because love is not just about a date on a calendar—it’s about justice, connection, and hope. Let’s show that love can heal even the deepest wounds—whether they are caused by wrongful conviction, separation, or time lost. The fight for justice is a fight for love and a worthy pursuit.

Stephanie and her son, Mason

Sources:

Hester Law Group. (2024, June). What does prison do to you mentally? Hester Law Group. https://www.hesterlawgroup.com/blog/2024/june/what-does-prison-do-to-you-mentally-/#:~:text=The%20unpredictable%20nature%20of%20prison,traumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)

Florida Innocence Project. (n.d.). Broken bonds: Unveiling the impact of incarceration on American families. Florida Innocence Project. https://www.floridainnocence.org/single-post/broken-bonds-unveiling-the-impact-of-incarceration-on-american-families