Adam Joel Higgins Our sweet boy, Adam Joel Higgins, of Durham, Maine, passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of October 2, 2023, at the young age of 30. He departed on a warm autumn day, greeted by an extraordinary sunlit skyline and the vibrant colors of fall. As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we also celebrate the joy and light Adam brought into our lives. His radiant smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering love will forever be etched in our hearts. Born on April 27, 1993, Adam left this world far too soon. There are many what ifs and what nows, all possibilities that Adam would want us to ponder but not grieve. Though his life was brief, it overflowed with boundless love, laughter, and special moments we will always cherish. Adam brought immeasurable joy to the lives he touched. He had a huge presence that radiated love and a warmth that let you know everything would be okay without ever saying a word. He gave us comfort and peace, but he was also an adventurous extrovert—rambunctious and full of spirit. As a young boy, he frequently charmed elderly women at the supermarket with his signature introduction, "Madam, I'm Adam," and often engaged in conversations with strangers despite being warned. His knack for forging friendships knew no limits, and during his time here, his friends' list grew long. To know him was to love him, and there was no one who knew or loved Adam harder or better than his big brother, Keith. They shared an unbreakable bond that united them through the ups and downs of life. They had each other's backs as fierce protectors and each other's shoulders when times got tough. Keith was Adam's person, and Adam Keith's. Their connection is eternal, one that space, and time will never shake. Known as "Jewels" to his mom and "Gary" to those who knew him well, Adam was a natural-born athlete who loved basketball and excelled at taking a three-point shot. He also loved fishing, golf, tinkering with cars, and to beat the heck out of everyone in fantasy sports. However, as the years passed, his love for landscaping eclipsed them all. In the outdoors, Adam discovered a profound sense of tranquility. He found solace intending to the earth, nurturing gardens, and occasionally lending a hand to stabilize an uprooted tree, offering it a renewed chance at life. Adam, too, received a second chance. In 2007, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Doctors didn't expect him to survive that initial night, but in true fighting spirit, Adam defied the odds and gave us all the gifts of time. He attended both Maranacook High School in Readfield and graduated from Freeport High School in 2012. Adam was predeceased by his grandfather, Russell D. Higgins of Durham and his beloved German shepherd, Lady. He is survived by his father Keith Higgins, Sr. and stepmother Christina ("Moms") of Durham; mother Crystal Ponti and her boyfriend Michael Cote of Manchester; grandmothers Patricia Higgins of Durham and Christine McCann of Monmouth; brothers Keith Higgins, Jr. and his fiance Katelyn Schertzer of Durham, Caden Wedge and his girlfriend Jillian Pino of Oakland, and Luca Ponti of Manchester; sister Alessandra Ponti of Manchester; stepsisters Kaitlyn Blasi and her husband Anthony of Durham, Lizzy Mitchell and her fiance Lucas Cope of Lafayette, Indiana, and Annika Mitchell of Turner; nieces Vera Higgins, Gabby Schertzer, and Lorelai Blasi all of Durham; uncle Andrew Higgins and aunt Priscilla of Durham; uncle Michael McCann and aunt Carole of Englewood, Florida; aunt Cheryl Breton of Port Charlotte, Florida; and cousins by the dozens. You may no longer walk beside us, dear Adam, but your spirit lives on in the lives you touched and the hearts you uplifted. Your memory will forever be a source of inspiration, reminding us to embrace life with the same boundless love and joy that you so beautifully exemplified during your time on this earth. A celebration of Adam's life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Shiloh Chapel, 38 Beulah Lane, in Durham, Maine, where friends and family can come together to share stories, laughter, and tears as we honor his remarkable soul. Donations can be made in Adam's honor to The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at https://fundraising.mmc.org/bbch-donate-now or plant a tree in his name through the Arbor Day Foundation at https://shop.arborday.org/trees-in-memory. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family at www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com.