After experiencing a heartbreaking tragedy in July, Valarie Watts faced an unimaginable loss when she delivered her stillborn son, Noah. Amidst her grief, she made the difficult decision to part with many of the items she had lovingly prepared in anticipation of bringing him home. While she managed to sell most of these belongings, there was one piece she couldn’t bring herself to let go—a white crib that symbolized all her hopes and dreams for her baby boy.
Despite her emotional attachment, Watts eventually held a yard sale last month to clear out some of Noah’s items. However, she deliberately excluded the crib, as it was simply too painful to part with. During the sale, a 75-year-old retiree and skilled craftsman, Gerald Kumpula, took notice of the crib. Fascinated by its design, he approached Watts and inquired about purchasing it. Initially hesitant, Watts was touched to learn that Gerald specialized in repurposing old furniture into beautiful benches. Eventually, she agreed to sell the crib for just two dollars, taking comfort in knowing it would be transformed into something meaningful.
“I felt at peace with the decision because I knew he’d be making something nice out of it,” Watts, 28, shared in an interview. Even so, letting go of the crib was an emotional moment, as it represented so much more than just a piece of furniture.
While browsing the yard sale, Gerald’s wife, Lorene, noticed baby clothes among the items for sale. Curious, she started a conversation with Watts and asked about her child. That’s when Watts shared her heartbreaking story of loss. Deeply moved by what she heard, Lorene recounted the story to her husband on their drive home.
The Kumpulas, who had raised 15 children and had many grandchildren, empathized with Watts’ grief. They understood the deep significance of the crib and felt compelled to do something meaningful. A week later, the couple returned with a heartfelt surprise—a beautifully crafted bench made from the crib’s headboard and footboard.
Watts was overwhelmed by their kindness. “It’s beautiful,” she told TODAY.com. “It made me realize that there are still good people out there.”
Now, the bench holds a cherished place in Watts’ living room, serving as a permanent reminder of her son, Noah. She expressed how meaningful it was to have the crib transformed into something she could actively use rather than leaving it untouched. “I’m so happy that it’s not just sitting around doing nothing,” she said. “Now I can sit in it, hold his bear, and reflect on him whenever I need to.”
Losing Noah was a devastating experience for Watts and her fiancé, Jimi Hamblin. Toward the end of her full-term pregnancy, Watts had noticed a decrease in fetal movement. On July 22, during her scheduled cesarean section, the couple’s worst fears were confirmed—Noah was not breathing. Doctors later explained that his umbilical cord had tightened, cutting off his oxygen supply. Though Watts survived the traumatic delivery, she was left with an immense void.
For the Kumpulas, Watts’ pain struck a deeply personal chord. Their first grandchild had also been stillborn, giving them a unique understanding of the grief she was enduring. Gerald reflected on the significance of the crib, saying, “An abandoned crib is a painful reminder. A bench, on the other hand, becomes more of a memorial. It’s still tied to that tragic event, but instead of symbolizing loss, it transforms into something meaningful and beautiful.”
Despite Watts’ insistence on paying for the bench, Gerald refused to accept any money. “Helping others is its own reward,” he said. “It just feels good to know we could make a difference in someone’s life.”
Today, Watts continues to find solace in the bench, which sits beside a bookcase in her living room. The bookcase holds memories of Noah, including his footprints, handprints, and ashes. The carefully crafted bench has become a symbol of healing, offering Watts a tangible way to keep Noah’s memory close.
As she moves forward, Watts finds strength in her family. She and Hamblin, who plan to marry this autumn, share a seven-year-old daughter named Nevaeh. Through their love and support, they are working together to heal from their heartbreak. The bench now stands as a reminder of the kindness and compassion they experienced during their darkest days.
This story of loss and generosity has touched countless hearts, proving that even in the face of unimaginable grief, there is still goodness in the world. The Kumpulas’ act of kindness was more than just a thoughtful gesture—it was a testament to the power of empathy and resilience. For Watts, the bench is more than just a repurposed piece of furniture; it is a lasting tribute to her son and a symbol of hope and human connection.
Watts often reflects on how a simple yard sale led to an unexpected bond with strangers who understood her pain and took the time to bring her comfort. “It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there are people who care,” she said. “It’s amazing how small acts of kindness can make such a big difference.”
As Watts prepares for her wedding and continues creating new memories with her family, the bench remains a treasured centerpiece in her home. It stands as a tribute to Noah and a symbol of the compassion shown by the Kumpulas, whose selfless act transformed a painful reminder into something beautiful. This touching story serves as an inspiration, showing that even in grief, there is a way forward—one illuminated by love, kindness, and human connection.
