"I've kept our secret all these years." Ira Jackson Seay, or as the family affectionately calls him, Papa or Pap, told me one day last year that he had a lot of time on his hands, was reminiscing a lot, and had decided to tell a secret that he had vowed to keep until the grave. He had been afraid that he would hurt feelings, especially those of his children, and wanted me to read his story first to see what I thought about it. Needless to say, I was surprised and impressed . . . he was a writer-and a good one at that. If It Was Meant to Be is a story of undying love, consequences, secrets and sacrifices, with moonshine and racing adventures-and even a recipe-thrown in for good measure. It also demonstrates the amazing strength this man has to survive so many hardships and still remain positive, caring, and dedicated to his family and friends. At the age of 86, Ira Jackson Seay is an active golfer, church member and crossword puzzle enthusiast. He recently received the highest honor you can receive from The Ruritan National Foundation: the Tom Downing Fellow Award. He resides in a home he built in Bassett, VA, and is working on his second book. - Betty Sue Seay, Editor and blessed daughter-in-law