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During her first month of freedom, Kayla Jeffries has relished simple pleasures like waking up Christmas morning with her two daughters or taking them to the park.

Since Gov. Mary Fallin commuted her 20-year prison sentence, Jeffries has been savoring those moments that she has missed for the past three years.

“There are no words to explain how grateful I am for my freedom and to be back with my children and to be a part of this entire process,” Jeffries, 26, said. “I feel very honored and so thankful.”

Last week, as one of her final acts in office, Fallin hosted a reception at the Capitol for Jeffries and others whose sentences she recently commuted. Fallin said she wanted to meet them and offer words of encouragement. One by one, she shook their hands and gave them a governor’s coin, which she hopes will serve as a reminder of the second chance they’ve been given in life.