Friday afternoon started off like all Friday afternoons; me in front of my work computer, debating whether or not to put another pot of coffee on, my Facebook news feed full of obligatory “Thank God it’s Friday” type posts and well wishes for the weekend.

Then, suddenly, everything fell apart.  Shock, confusion, anger, sadness started flooding my page - a third of my friends scrambling for answers; most in denial, others dumbfounded.  It was as if all of the Kalamazoo theater community had their hearts ripped from their chests.  The name Adam Carter posted over and over and over and over with such frequency the letters began to blur and make no sense.  Because it didn’t make sense; how could Adam Carter, the Man, the Myth, the Legend be taken at the young age of 31?

I wasn’t lucky enough to have known him, but that doesn’t change the ache in my gut witnessing so many of my friends crumble under the weight of the news.  My need to make their pain go away kicked in… but it’s just too big.  This is too great a loss, and my arms aren’t big enough to hold everyone and promise that everything will be okay.

Maybe it’s fitting that his funeral service will be held Saturday; so many hearts need healing.  To his family and friends; there are no words to express my sincerest, deepest sympathy.  But, as his friend Nikki Dobos posted early Friday morning, “Send love into the world today. Don't ask why, just do it.”  Let’s send some love into the world for Adam.

Adam’s family is asking that donations be made to the Art Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

“Adam Carter, this is not fair. Not at all. The world will still go on, but without as much whimsy, and that is sad indeed.” – RJ Soule

“For some, their star shines so bright, it burns out long before its time. But the glow it leaves burns in our memory forever. Not good-bye, but until we see you again.” – Lou Price

“A void in our collective soul, but more sparkle in the heavens today...” – Tony Holewinski

“Working with Adam was a constant dare to match him.” – Robert Davidson

“I am a widow. Theatrically.” – Carol Zombro

“I will miss seeing him.” – Mike Artis

“Our loss in Kalamazoo, Michigan is a loss for the world.” – Robert Piellusch

“Heaven is getting the most FABulous, sparkliest angel ever.” – Janet Gover

"We lost a truly wonderful person today with the passing of Adam F. Carter, one of the most loving, welcoming, incredible people I'm humbled to have known. We love you and we miss you." - Mitch Voss

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