Moments That Take Our Breath Away

When Heaven Evans needed extra help to cope with her life-limiting illness, she and her family decided to allow Spring Valley Hospice to provide support. They may not have imagined then that this group of caring professionals would become like a second family and go so far to create lasting and cherished memories together with them.

Spring Valley Hospice looks for ways to bless their patients with a ‘Best Day Ever’ experience, and this past summer included one of those special days for Heaven when she was given a 22nd birthday celebration with more than 75 of her closest friends and family in attendance.

On July 13, those who love and support Heaven best, celebrated her life at the Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center in Olive Branch, Mississippi with a Cancun Beach Party theme hosted by Spring Valley Hospice and organized by Volunteer Coordinator, Tamara Fuller. Guests enjoyed music, dancing, food and drinks.

Heaven said, “This was the best birthday I ever had, and the best time of my life!”

With an assortment of family and friends, hospice staff and others, including Heaven’s one-year old daughter Graceland, Heaven’s birthday party was an outstanding celebration of life! Everyone was deeply touched by the outpouring of love from the community. Dillards (Southaven) donated a luxury gift basket, and The Yellow Rose Florist provided a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The venue was donated by Whispering Woods Hotel along with party beverages.

High Definition Salon and Spa (Southaven) treated Heaven to a makeover, including hair and make-up, and Lola Boutique (Southaven) provided the beautiful summer dress Heaven wore to the party. Others who were key to making Heaven’s birthday celebration special were Jenny Hansel, Tristan Ridge, Randie Adams, Latania Gillespie and Monica Mosby.

Tamara Fuller, Volunteer Coordinator worked tirelessly with Spring Valley Hospice staff, and many community sponsors, to orchestrate the celebration for Heaven’s 22nd Birthday. “It could not have been a more beautiful event, or loving way to provide care for one of our youngest patients.” said Eric Spears, Executive Director of Spring Valley Hospice.

Tamara and the Hospice Team gifted Heaven a special scrapbook for GraceLynn, inscribed with “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away”. During the party, Heaven’s nurse, Bridgette Torrance-Williams sang Heaven’s favorite song by Lee Ann Womack, ‘I Hope You Dance’. And as touching as the song made that moment, Bridgette and Heaven were just as hilarious when they decided to put cake on their faces and line dance.

The night wasn’t over for Heaven when she left the party. Everyone later learned that Heaven received a marriage proposal from her long-time boyfriend who had also been at the party, waiting for the right moment to ask.
…She said “yes!”

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