North Bay Woman

36 NORTH BAY WOMAN S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 Heather Nelson-Tapia Two babies, two bouts of coronavirus and a podcast We all have stories to tell, and I am honored to have the chance to share a few milestones along my journey. The week prior to the first stay-at- home order, I gave birth to my surrogate baby. I love being a mom and have long dreamt of being able to help others who are seeking the opportunity to enjoy parenthood. With overall fairly smooth sailing outside of fire season causing some concern due to smoky air, those final weeks were nerve racking with COVID-19 starting to spread rampantly through the community. In the end, it was an incredible gift to be able to help another woman become a mom and it was a beautifully defining moment that pro- pelled many more in the months to come. While the plan was for me to return to work after a couple weeks of recovery, doing what I love building and fostering relationships in the events and hospitality industry, that quickly changed with our com- munity shut down. Eventually I was able to return, virtually and for only a few hours per week, so that we could provide rentals for restaurants and businesses in need. Given the events and hospitality industry did not open more fully until the middle of 2021, working reduced hours thankfully allowed me to support my children who were now learning from home, and it also allowed me to explore a few personal goals and dreams. After thinking about starting a podcast for about two years, and having only dipped Motherhood is a challenge; uncompensated and tiring. The coronavirus added layers of uncertainty, hardship and additional work to this already overwhelming job. Motherhood is also full of joy, surprises and growth. These three North Bay women are bravely sharing, in their own words, their real and very personal stories of trials and triumph during the past two years. share their Heather Nelson-Tapia and baby Gavin, 2021. – Photo courtesy of Heather Nelson-Tapia Moms Stories

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