Valarie Watts’ world was shattered when she delivered her stillborn son, Noah, in July. As she navigated the darkest days of her life, she decided to sell most of the baby items she had lovingly prepared for her child’s arrival. However, one item proved too difficult to part with: the white crib.
That was until Gerald Kumpula, a 75-year-old retiree and craftsman, expressed interest in purchasing the crib. Watts was hesitant, but Kumpula’s promise to transform the crib into a beautiful bench brought her a sense of peace. She sold it to him for just $2.
Little did Watts know that Kumpula and his wife, Lorene, had been touched by her story. After learning about Watts’ loss, the couple, who have 15 children and dozens of grandchildren, felt compelled to return the crib to its rightful owner. But they had a different plan in mind.
A week later, the Kumpulas delivered a stunning bench to Watts, crafted from the very crib she had sold them. Watts was overwhelmed with emotion as she accepted the gift. The bench now sits in her living room, serving as a poignant reminder of her son and a symbol of the kindness of strangers.
For Watts, the bench has become a source of comfort and solace. She can sit on it, hold her son’s bear, and cherish the memories they never got to make. The Kumpulas’ selfless act has helped Watts cope with her grief, and she is forever grateful for their kindness.
As Watts prepares to marry her fiancé, Jimi Hamblin, this fall, she is finding ways to heal and honor her son’s memory. The bench, now a cherished part of her home, serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, kindness and compassion can prevail.
