JoPo

Joanne Poteete White, AKA JoPo.  My mother is one of the biggest impacts on my life.  So many character traits, too many to count,  I got from being raised by her.  Her influence on my life is unmeasurable.  From her I get my directness - sometimes to a fault, I call 'em like I see 'em.  I don't like to beat around the bush - I hit you between the eyes.  For the most part, this is why you always know where you stand with me - Thanks MOM.  My mother taught me that it takes all types to make the world go 'round.  Mom taught me to treat everyone with respect, no matter their background, sexual affiliation, race, religion, or gender.  If I could be half as caring as she is when someone is sick or down and out - anyone needing care taking - is lucky to have her.  This is something I strive for as I get older.  I was never a mother, but because of her mothering, I believe that I am an honest, up front, truthful wife, sister, daughter and friend.  Her ability to make you feel better when things are going awry, to stay calm and carry on - I believe I am able to handle really bad situations with the appropriate class and decorum.  She has always been stylish - she dresses to the 9's and she basically keeps me dressed as best as she can.  She is my personal shopper, and thank GOD for that because I definitely did not get this gene from her - I hate shopping, I don't worry about my appearance and basically don't match half the time.  The other half the time I look good because of her shopping prowess and ability to always find a deal.  My mother brought my sister and I up while my dad worked extra hours/OT basically the entire time he was at Chrysler.  She was at every school event, encouraging us all along the way.  My mother encouraged me to follow my abilities in music and art.  She didn't discourage me from trying out for basically every sports team Christy was on - even though I sucked at sports, she encouraged me to try out.  She was by my side through mono as a kid, multiple teenage crises, multiple operations in my adult life - she nursed me back to health.  JoPo taught me right from wrong, even when right meant getting in the right kind of trouble.  And she talked me off the ledge more times than I can count and told me the truth even though sometimes it was hard to hear.  She loves her family unconditionally - and has helped so many of us through hard times.  She lived through many boyfriends (of many races/creeds) two engagements and one wedding.  AND she was the wicked witch at my wedding just because I asked her to be.  (I think she secretly enjoyed it).  Who’s mother does that?!?! I am so blessed to have her still in my life.  Many stories to come of her critical impacts on my life.  I LOVE YOU MOM.