On December 7th, 2019, Owl Talks’ life dramatically changed when his eldest son, Jesse Day Rider, was critically injured in a senseless and violent attack that left a bullet in his brain. After recovering in various hospitals from the life-threatening injury for more than a year, Jesse finally returned home to Standoff, Alberta, but requires constant care and specialized medical equipment.
Jesse is a loving and dedicated husband, father of six, and a new grandfather to a beautiful baby girl. A self-employed contractor, he is now unable to work while in recovery. He has always been a role model for the Kainai Community, competing in mixed martial arts and kickboxing for over 15 years, sharing his talents with youth and in honor of The Blood First Nation – often bringing home the prize. Jesse is a well-respected member of team PFA and a brother to all who know him.
Owl Talks prays constantly and relentlessly every day for his son’s full recovery and is hoping to hear his amazing laugh very soon.
Eight months after Jesse’s attack, Owl Talks lost his eldest brother to cancer. A scant month later, he lost his loving wife, Jesse’s mother, who was his best friend, life-long companion, and mentor of 51 years.
Owl Talks sees himself as one of Creator’s children and although he struggles mentally with all that has happened in the past year, he is thankful to Creator and faithful to his path on the Red Road. He is determined to believe in Creator’s plan and prays for Jesse’s recovery. His son continues to “show little signs in his own way, every second, every minute, every hour, every day that he is fighting and is going to win the greatest battle of his life.”
As for Jesse’s healing journey, he has had the benefit of an amazing medical team who believed in him and saw him as a complete person. In the long months of hospital, nurses fought over who would be assigned to him, his doctors spoke to him with dignity and respect, telling him that he will walk again. While tending to Jesse, Owl Talks spent time educating and teaching doctors, medical staff, and other patients about the old ways.
Owl Talks is retired receiving a government pension with no other income. In order to be closer to the medical facility, Owl Talks had to leave his home on the reserve for the second time in his life. He was with Jesse day and night. Although Owl Talks is steadfast in his faith, caring for an adult child has high costs both financially and emotionally. He knows it will be a long journey witnessing his son’s recovery, and invites you to be a part of their healing journey and believe, as unshakably as he does, that Jesse will walk again.
To accommodate Jesse’s medical needs, Owl Talks is building an extension onto the existing family home. Owl Talks’ family, friends, and Sun Dance community have rallied around this project to help him realize this planned renovation. Owl Talks is now offering stories, teachings, songs, and a podcast through the website Patreon, as a way of sharing who he is and his rich teachings with the world.
“These stories, teachings, and songs are not mine. They are for all of humanity,” he says.
Funds received will build the addition, making the home more accessible and medically functional for Jesse during his recovery.
Grandfather Owl Talks is eternally grateful for those who support him by becoming a patron, by offering prayers, or even a simple share on social media. “I will always remember you and I will always pray for you.”
You can enjoy Owl Talks’ stories, teachings, songs, and reverence for all creations by visiting his Patreon page. They will change your life.