Grandma’s Gone
My grandma passed away last week
The finest grandma you could meet
I got to say goodbye at least
I hope she heard me through her sleep
Grandma taught her kids to work
Served a mission for the church
Liked to garden, liked to sew
Even gave Facebook a go
Now happy memories may haunt us
I sure will miss hearing pandamondas
Her stories and her poetry
She must have rubbed some off on me
Grandma gave the biggest hugs
Was always there with lots of love
She’s off to heaven, bags are packed
I’m sure grandpa’s glad to have her back
Jace Burgess
Back in the days before books were affordable and literacy was rare, storytellers entertained adults and children alike with their exquisite tales of everyday life and far off lands. Pandamondas was one such tale about a little boy who repeatedly walked to visit his Auntie. As was her custom, Auntie sent Pandamondas home with various types of gifts and treasures. Not always sure the best way to carry His load, Pandamondas caused his Mammy a great deal of trouble. This humorous story of a mischievous little boy has kept my family entertained for generations; with nobody telling it as well as Grandma. The picture above is of J5 listening to Grandma’s last telling of Pandamondas, J5’s expression is shared with all of Grandmas 8 Children, 45 Grandchildren, 96 Great Grandchildren
I never knew anyone else who was familiar with the story of Pandamondas, but apparently it was not unique to my family as Coleen Salley wrote a children’s book called “Epossumondas”. In her very well illustrated book the trouble seeking toddler is an opossum and his Mama, and Auntie are very classic old lady figures. I will always treasure my Epossumondas book as it will keep the story of Pandamondas fresh in my memory to share with my own children and grandchildren.