Black. Hispanic. Asian. Curly hair. Straight hair. Blonde hair with blue eyes. Male. Female. What do all these things have in common? They are all versions of my baby.
How is this possible? you ask. My kids are mixed-race Chinese and Jewish. For the last two years, artist Laura Tuzio Ross has crafted doll versions of my youngest child while experimenting with ethnicity and gender.
We rarely get to look at ourselves from outside our comfort zone. I have to say it was a shock to visit my social media feed and see pictures pop up of my baby that took me a minute to recognize. But yet, there was something familiar about every one. And each time? I loved my child no matter what configuration she appeared in.
I have been writing for the last seven years. In the beginning, I wrote to share information. But then, writing became the gateway to conversations. I made friends who have opened their hearts and lives to me and my family. I have learned about broadcast journalism. Art. Startups. Social media. Talk shows. Each time, I come away filled with awe at the incredible amount of work, dedication and skill that goes into each profession.
Everything that is worthwhile in life takes sacrifice and hard work. I am grateful to be able to get glimpses of so many different experiences when people share their personal and professional lives with me.
Kathy Zucker is an international social media Shorty Award winner, mother of three and a startup founder at companies including the Metro Moms Network®.
