It has been one year since my father, James Main, Sr. took his journey to the Spirit World. So, I say, “Ut-nu-huh-ban, Ga-ah-woo-wus” or “Farewell, Coyote Bear.” It doesn’t mean goodbye forever. It’s more like, “I’ll see you again.” The year seemed to go by fast. Many families on our reservation have suffered losses of their loved ones since Dad left. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.
We were very fortunate to have Dad with us for some extra years. In 2001, he had a major open heart surgery and took a path to the Spirit World, but he came back after doctors shocked him and his own will to live prevailed. People all over the world prayed for him at that time. We were grateful then for prayers and are still grateful to the people who helped us out with Dad’s funeral and burial ceremony. He had many friends and relatives who will miss him dearly.
I wrote a story for the local Ft. Belknap newspaper about the journey that Dad took on his first experience of going to the other side. We will share it when it’s done.
While I sat in the Hill County Jail in Havre, Dad was my most faithful visitor. For two-and-a-half years, he and my other family members came. Dad’s last visit was three days before my trial started. They allowed my brother and my mother to bring his body into the facility, so I could pay my last respects. I thought it was unfair that I wasn’t allowed to attend his funeral, but unfair is normal in the Montana justice system. Other inmates facing felony charges went to funerals on the reservation while I was incarcerated. So, I was being sentenced before my trial began. Ft. Belknap even offered additional security if the court thought that security was an issue. But, I had a good little song and ceremony with what we had to work with. I guess it was meant to be that way: very humble.
The last couple of days, we’ve been seeing a big eagle outside of this facility. So, that’s always a good sign, especially at this time. It’s good medicine. We’re in the dead of winter and we can see the Badlands to the east and the sunrise. It’s actually very pretty, as the Badlands have their own rugged beauty.
I finally got to go to the eye doctor and get my eyes tested. I had reading glasses when I got to MSP in Deer Lodge nine months ago, but they were taken and I’ve been struggling to read since. A story I heard at the United Tribes Pow Wow came to mind during the eye test and glasses business. Henry Green Crow was the announcer that time at the pow wow. I was a kid at the time.
The story goes:
One time there was this elderly Indian man who raised his grandson. The young boy knew the ways of his people and it came time that he was of the age to go to school. Grampa was having a hard time deciding whether he should send his grandson to school and learn the ways of the white man or keep him home and continue his traditional life. Grampa decided he would send the boy to school, so he could get an education. So, he got clothes, etc., and sent him to school. At school, the young boy was bashful and wanted to sit in the back of the class with the boys. The teacher told him that he couldn’t see the blackboard and must sit in the front so he could see. The teacher said that the boy needs an eye test and may have to wear glasses. The boy told his grampa this when he came home to their little log house. Grampa told him, “Indians can see like the eagle” and ” You don’t need to wear any glasses, so tell the teacher that tomorrow!” So, at school the next day, the same thing happened. The boy was placed back in the front row and told that he was to get an eye test and may need glasses. The boy came home and sadly told Grampa, “They said I need an eye test and glasses because I can’t see the blackboard.”
Grampa said, “No! Indians can see like the eagle! I will give you a test myself!” Grampa asked the boy to go over to the window and look out and tell him what all he saw. So, the boy looked out the window and told Grampa that he saw the mountains, clouds, trees, etc. Grampa seemed pleased and said, “Yes, I told you Indians can see like the eagle!” All at once, the little boy excitedly said, “Grampa! I see a one-eyed dog and he’s coming this way!” Grampa hurried to the window as fast as he could, which was slow because he was old. He pushed the boy to the side and peeped out the window and said, “Son, I think you need glasses! That dog is going the other way!”
I think I can see far, but I do need reading glasses. I got re-classified yesterday from Medium Restricted to Medium Unrestricted, so I may be moving to another pod or facility sometime soon. Our Native brothers here are doing good things. Our functions are well-attended and are tightening up. We are trying to get a sweat lodge at this facility and a drum. The different races amongst the inmates and convicts (in here, there is a difference) get along well. But this is prison and things can change very quickly. But for now, “It’s good in the hood!” Aho!
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