This week we lost a legendary figure in the field of comic books and entertainment, Stan Lee. Among the many characters he helped develop for Marvel Comics is the first blind superhero, Daredevil.

About his visually impaired crime-fighter, Lee said:

Helen Keller with sheep in Scotland.

Helen Keller with sheep in Scotland, 1932

William Reuschel and Aaron Preece look at an iPhone while guide dog Joel looks at a Pidgey

Image: Left to right, William Reuschel stands with Aaron Preece, looking at an iPhone, while Aaron's guide dog, Joel, appears to look for a Pidgey.

By William Reuschel and Aaron Preece

Aaron Preece stands with his guide dog Joel and a Pidgie Pokemon

Image: Aaron Preece stands with his guide dog Joel and a Pidgey Pokémon.

Helen Keller in her garden at Arcan Ridge no date Helen Keller in her garden at Arcan Ridge 1951

As holidays and spring time approach it is a good time to reflect on Helen Keller’s love of nature and its possibilities for transformation and renewal. In September 1940 — a year after she and her companion Polly Thomson moved into their new home in Westport, CT — Keller wrote to her close friend "Uncle Walter." Here is an excerpt from that letter: