Much appreciation to Vicki Fulkerson and The Day for highlighting Montville's Steve LaBranche, and his goal of finishing four 100-mile running races this summer. I take issue with just one short phrase. Fulkerson wrote that LaBranche faces an "unenviable task." 

Not so. Whether he succeeds or not, I envy LaBranche, as do many others who believe life is most meaningful when filled with great challenges. 

In 1959, I attended eighth grade at Groton's Fitch Junior High, where an exotic and mesmerizing teacher, Mary Virginia Morgan Goodman, often wrote inspirational quotes on the blackboard. These included one from the poet Robert Browning: "A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a Heaven for?''

I have never forgotten these words, or their message.

Amby Burfoot

Mystic