Valarie Watts experienced an indescribable heartbreak in July when she delivered her stillborn son, Noah. In the midst of her grief, she decided to part with most of the items she had lovingly prepared in anticipation of bringing him home. While she managed to sell many of these belongings, one item held too much sentimental value for her to let go—a white crib that symbolized her hopes and dreams for her baby boy.
In an emotional decision, Watts chose not to include the crib in a yard sale she held last month. It was simply too difficult for her to part with. However, during the sale, Gerald Kumpula, a 75-year-old retiree and skilled craftsman, noticed the crib. Intrigued by its design, he approached Watts and asked if she would consider selling it. Initially hesitant, Watts learned that Gerald had a unique talent for repurposing old furniture into beautiful benches. Eventually, she agreed to sell the crib for just two dollars, finding some solace in knowing it would be turned into something new and meaningful.
“I felt at peace with the decision because I knew he’d be making something nice out of it,” Watts, 28, shared during an interview. Even so, the transaction was tinged with emotion, as the crib represented so much more than just a piece of furniture.
While browsing the sale, Gerald’s wife, Lorene, noticed baby clothes among the items for sale. Curious, she struck up a conversation with Watts and asked about her child. That’s when Watts shared her heartbreaking story of loss. Moved by what she heard, Lorene relayed the story to her husband as they drove home.
The Kumpulas, who have raised 15 children and have many grandchildren, deeply empathized with Watts’ pain. They understood the significance of the crib and felt compelled to return it to her in a way that would bring her comfort. A week later, the couple delivered a special gift to Watts—a beautifully crafted bench made from the crib’s headboard and footboard.
Watts was overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness. “It’s beautiful,” she said during an interview with TODAY.com. “It made me realize that there are still good people out there.”
The bench now holds a special place in Watts’ living room, a space that serves as a reminder of her son, Noah. She explained how meaningful it is to have the crib transformed into something she can actively use rather than it simply sitting unused. “I’m so happy that it’s not just sitting around doing nothing,” she shared. “Now I can sit in it, hold his bear, and reflect on him when I need to.”
The loss of Noah was a devastating experience for Watts and her fiancé, Jimi Hamblin. Toward the end of her full-term pregnancy, Watts began noticing decreased movement from the fetus. On July 22, during a scheduled cesarean section, the couple’s worst fears were confirmed. Noah was not breathing, and doctors explained that his umbilical cord had tightened, cutting off his oxygen supply. While Watts survived the traumatic delivery, she was left to grapple with an unimaginable void.
For the Kumpulas, this tragedy struck a deeply personal chord. Their first grandchild had also been stillborn, giving them a unique understanding of the profound pain Watts was experiencing. Gerald, reflecting on the significance of the crib, remarked, “An abandoned crib is a somber reminder. A bench, on the other hand, functions more as a memorial. It’s still tied to that tragic event, but it’s no longer an empty crib—a symbol of loss. Instead, it becomes something meaningful and beautiful.”
Despite Watts’ offer to pay for the bench, Gerald refused to accept any money. “Helping others is its own reward,” he said. “It just feels good to be able to make a difference in someone’s life.”
Today, Watts continues to find solace in the bench, which sits beside a corner bookcase in her living room. The bookcase is filled with memories of Noah, including his footprints, handprints, and ashes. The bench, crafted with care and compassion, has become a symbol of healing for Watts as she navigates her grief.
Watts is also finding strength in her family. She and Hamblin, who are set to marry this autumn, share a seven-year-old daughter named Nevaeh. Through their love and support, they are working together to overcome the heartbreak of losing Noah. The bench serves as a tangible reminder of the kindness they experienced during one of the darkest times in their lives.
This story of loss and compassion has touched the hearts of many, serving as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there is still goodness in the world. The Kumpulas’ gesture was not just an act of kindness but a testament to the power of empathy and the human spirit’s resilience. For Watts, the bench is more than just a piece of furniture. It is a lasting memorial to her son and a symbol of hope and connection.
Watts reflects often 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 beautiful to see how small acts of kindness can make such a big difference.”
As Watts prepares for her upcoming wedding and continues to create new memories with her family, the bench remains a cherished centerpiece in her home. It stands as a tribute to Noah and a testament to the kindness of the Kumpulas, whose selfless act turned a symbol of sorrow into one of hope and healing. This heartfelt story serves as an inspiration, proving that even in the midst of grief, there is a way forward, illuminated by compassion and love.
