i can t describe that. i literally felt like i was lifted off my chair. i looked around at my mom and my son. the relief i felt of knowing that i m going home. this is finally behind me. this is finally over with. we each gave him a big hug. it was a moment. after 18 years in prison, john thompson was finally going home. but aside from his freedom, he was walking away with little else. kick in the behind and $10. didn t have no compensation available for nobody like myself, no matter how many years you do in prison you, have you to fend for yourself. so we approached the district attorney s office, and we said, look, john lost the last 18 years of his life.