Post by Courtney Stadd

I usually reserve this space for my professional passion — the commercial development of space and the promise of permanent human settlement beyond Earth. Today, I need a moment for something more personal. My brother-in-law Daniel passed away recently. Mark Twain once described death as “a great Leveler — a king before whose tremendous majesty shades and differences in littleness cannot be discerned.” That has never felt more true to me. Daniel had Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) — a rare genetic disorder marked by poor muscle tone, an insatiable appetite, developmental delays, and cognitive impairment. Historically, those with PWS live an average of 23 to 32 years. Daniel lived to 69. That is a testament to the extraordinary, tireless love of his mother — and then of my wife and her sisters — who devoted themselves to his care across decades. I live and work in a town where outsized egos are a constant backdrop, and where many measure a life’s worth in titles and material gain. Daniel measured his in simpler, richer things. My nieces and daughters compiled the below list of the joys and experiences he packed into his life. He also had a gift I rarely see in people of any ability: he truly saw everyone around him. The waitstaff, the cashiers, the sanitation workers, the clerks — the people most of us pass without a second glance. He greeted them with an infectious smile and genuine warmth. The turnout at his memorial was a quiet, powerful testament to that. He reminded me — and I suspect many who knew him — what it actually means to show up for people. Godspeed, Daniel. ——— A note: My sister-in-law channeled her experience with Daniel into a beautiful novel for young readers: "The Zuzu Secret." It follows Josie, a 12-year-old aspiring veterinarian, and her 15-year-old brother Abe, who was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome — a story about secrets, family, and staying true to your dreams. It’s a wonderful read, and a meaningful one. It can easily be found online.