I started working with Erin, who's known in the blogosphere and perhaps circles other than Spain as Queen of Spain, in November 2009. We only got to work together for a few months before she had to go on disability because she kept having organs removed. I only wish I were making that up. Because she has lupus.

We never got to be face-to-face co-workers, since she lives in LA and I live in Kansas City, but I talked to her every day and we chatted about kids and balance and making lunches, and so it was such a huge shock when suddenly the chats were about hospitals and treatments and her having to pretty much stand still for a long time to get her health back.

She doesn't know I'm writing this, and she probably won't figure it out for a few hours because Erin's in Washington, DC, today, back in the White House where she belongs, talking policy and Twitter and all things social media. I'm watching eagerly from the sidelines hoping she feels well, hoping her meds hold, hoping she gets enough rest, hoping nothing goes wrong.

I hope it most of all because Erin deserves to play professionally again.

There are all kinds of people, and most people I know aren't crazy enmeshed with what they do for a living, but Erin is one of those people who makes me want to try harder because she is so incredibly passionate about what she does and what she believes in. I think in many ways though lupus is not the best thing to happen to Erin, Erin may be the best thing to happen to lupus, because if anyone can get the word out, she can.

BlogHer '11 is in a month, and I'm signed up to give blood at the BlogHer '11 blood drive. I'm hoping I can finally, finally hug Erin instead of carrying a picture of her head around on a stick.

 
(Get your own damn badge this year, lady.)

I'm so happy for you today, Erin. I hope you're feeling your power. Because we are.