By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

HOOVER – Alabama’s Secretary of State Beth Chapman attended the Hoover Chamber of Commerce luncheon April 21 as the principal speaker.

“When I heard I was going to be the principal speaker, I had no idea what it meant, so I did some research,” Chapman said with a smile. “Apparently, the ‘principal’ speaker is what’s left when the interest is gone.”

Chapman has accomplished much during her time as secretary of state. She has worked to expedite military voting and is a “big proponent” of photo voter identifications.

She dealt with a personal blow when she lost her husband, James, on April 4 to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She said she prayed the morning before the meeting for God to let her get her feet on the floor.

“I may seem strong, but I’m not,” she said. “I spoke at my husband’s funeral on my 49th birthday.”

She proceeded to encourage Chamber members to sign a durable power of attorney and a living will.

“The best time to sign a living will is now when you don’t need it,” she said. “It’s really not depressing. This is business advice.

“When you get home today, hug your spouse a little bit longer, and tell them you love them just a little bit more,” Chapman said. “Love what you do because you may not always get to do what you love with who you love.”