At 27, she bought her first house in East Montpelier and lived with 25 housemates - coming and going. Amidst finding out that she can never have her own children due to a drug called DES which was given as medication to her mother, she juggled between her debts, her job and a bad marriage. Eventually, a divorce separated the couple, leaving her alone for the fight that lay ahead.While William tried to straighten himself with two other failed marriages, Jo decided to no more opt for a man's support but find other way to fulfill her deepest wish - To be a mother.Very firm in her decision, Jo started to find adoption procedures and formalities. The International mission of hope orphanage with missionaries in Calcutta, India found a ray of hope for Jo's wishes. But even here, she waited two long years before her application was accepted and a four-month old baby girl was crying in her arms - waiting for her new mother to hug her tightly. Jo named her Natessa - after Nateshwar Natraj - the God of Dance. The baby was here, Jo's life had changed, but Jo was determined on one more wish - to have a sibling for Natessa. She loved and cared so much for the child that she wanted the siblings to stand by each other as a family, in case something would happen to her. And the noble prayer was answered after three long years. Jo adopted Jaimen- a premature baby on whom the doctors had given up the hope.
Jo ripped off her chest and held Jaimen tightly and sure the warmth of a mother's love did the miracle. Jaimen survived ! Jo had actually given birth to a new life.Now our Jo's life was changed - It had two baby members. With the increased responsibility, Jo realized she needs to spend more time with her new family. At the age of 36, she bought a house in Montpelier downtown, (her current residence) closer to work and lived with two housemates to support herself and her two kids. She had paid five grands each to the orphan institutions for her children. Even with these debts, she decided to switch her job to a less demanding one - just so she can do justice to her growing up kids. And she landed a job which perfectly complemented her compassionate nature. She was hired as a 'substance abuse prevention consultant' with the state health center and she accepted it wholeheartedly, even though it meant having a drastic amount of cut in her earnings.
But that was Jo for you - who loves talking to people, helping troubled teenagers, sheltering refugees in her very own house, serving the community - bravely and sincerely.
Life happens to you when you least expect it. Jo was not an exception. Though she was happy in her small and sweet family, thanking for giving her all she wanted, God knew she deserved more. On the morning of Jan 1, 1995, her phone rang to the voice of a man wishing her a happy new year. It was Daniel Wetmore, a fine handsome man who entered Romano family with a heart full of love and kindness. Dan was a friend of Jo's then housemate Malcolm, and would meet Jo at the local stores, developing a feeling of love and respect for Jo.
With course of time, Dan became an important part of Jo's life. Dan not only developed his relation with Jo, but loved her kids as a parent would.
And on the 17th day of August, 1997, Jo and Dan had a beautiful summer wedding and within a year, Dan adopted the two kids as his own. He gave them a gold ring, as a sign which meant he will always be with them.
Jo was 45 when she married Dan who was 40. With her loving and caring husband and two adorable children, Jo was blessed with what she really and truly wished for - a complete family, to feel a sense of belonging to that family, to have someone care for her as she did for all others in her life. While Jo continued to work for the troubled people, Dan switched his roles as a teacher, an architect and a fabulous carpenter.
After marriage Jo and Dan decided to shower their love on one more orphan child. But just when they were about to mail the application, they had a second thought which made them change their decision. Jo had developed fibromyalgia (muscle pain) in her mid 40s and had a hip replacement due to arthritis at the age of 51.
After working for the state for 35 years, she finally decided to retire. But sitting idle at home was not Jo. She found her way out to start a home-based business of being a life coach. She, along with her girlfriend, went online to take up a a course for life-coaching. Yes, our Jo is now a private consultant for individuals, organization-based managers and groups to help them achieve their goals while continuing work in substance abuse. She has few rooms in her house dedicated to troubled teenagers to help them find and build a career overcoming all the obstacles in their way.
