Valarie Watts was heartbroken when her son Noah was stillborn. While grieving, she sold most of the items she had prepared for him, but couldn’t part with the white crib. At a yard sale, Gerald Kumpula, a 75-year-old retiree who crafts benches from old furniture, asked to buy the crib. Although hesitant, Watts agreed, feeling comforted by the thought that he would turn it into something nice.

When Gerald’s wife, Lorene, learned about Watts’ tragic loss, she shared the story with her husband. Understanding Watts’ pain, the couple decided the crib belonged with her. A week later, they gifted her a bench made from the crib. Watts was moved, saying, “It’s beautiful. There are still good people out there.”

She placed the bench in her living room, a space filled with memories of Noah, and now finds comfort sitting on it, reflecting on her son. In the final days of her pregnancy, Watts had noticed reduced fetal movement, and on July 22, doctors confirmed Noah had passed due to an umbilical cord issue. The Kumpulas, having lost a grandchild in a similar way, understood her grief.

Gerald explained that while an abandoned crib is a sad reminder, a bench serves as a monument. He refused any payment for his work, saying, “Helping others is good.” The bench now sits by a bookcase with Noah’s keepsakes, bringing Watts peace as she prepares to marry her fiancé, Jimi Hamblin. Watts says the bench helps her cope, providing a sense of calm and comfort.