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One thing... BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES INSTAGRAM @holliegracejames PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
ack in January, the biggest adjustment that Melissa Lamb and Nigel Romick were forced to make was swapping the dining room table for a makeshift changing area. It was another trick that they gladly added to their repertoire in learning to become resourceful and inventive first-time parents to their baby son Luca. After a whirlwind 2019, the Ottawa power couple were looking forward to a smooth 2020, but life had more difficulties in store with the abrupt appearance of COVID-19, rocking their well-laid foundation and forcing the duo to completely reevaluate their lives’ course once again. While grappling with parenthood and preparing for a move into a new home, the pandemic caused a sudden and massive hit to both of their careers. Melissa, a television host, lifestyle expert and brand ambassador, lost a coveted and lucrative contract. Nigel, a defensive end for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, saw his career stall, as well as his income, after the cancellation of the CFL season. Leaning on each other, as they have learned to do so well, Nigel has since found work in landscaping and—in a potential silver-lining moment—has joined the Ottawa Fire Services Volunteer Program. Although the latter was a goal that he originally planned to accomplish later in life during his post football retirement days, the pandemic consequences forced his hand, and there’s no better time than now to make that dream a reality. Similarly, Melissa has been able to adapt her passions and, thanks to ongoing brand ambassador work in partnership with St. Laurent Shopping Centre, some things have managed to remain steadily in place.
50 ottawaathome.ca HOLIDAY 2020
