Note: This story, originally featured in the news in May 2014, tells of Valarie Watts’ emotional journey following the delivery of her stillborn son in July. Heartbroken by the loss, Watts decided to part with most of the items she had prepared for her son, Noah.
Among these items was a white crib that Watts had held onto despite selling other belongings at a garage sale the previous month. When retiree Gerald Kumpula expressed interest in buying the crib, Watts initially hesitated but eventually agreed upon learning that Kumpula, a craftsman, intended to repurpose it into benches.
“I found some peace knowing he would create something beautiful,” Watts remarked, ultimately selling the crib for $2.
During the transaction, Lorene Kumpula, Gerald’s wife, learned of Watts’ story after noticing newborn clothes at the sale. Touched, she inquired about Noah, prompting Watts to share her heartbreaking experience.
Afterward, Lorene relayed Watts’ story to Gerald, who felt a deep empathy for Watts and her loss. The Kumpulas, who have a large family themselves, felt the crib belonged with Watts. A week later, they returned with a bench crafted from the crib.
“It’s beautiful,” Watts told TODAY.com. “It’s a reminder that there are kind people out there.”
Placed in her living room, the bench now serves as a poignant memorial to Noah, where Watts can reflect and hold onto memories of her son.
Watts had noticed decreased fetal movement in the final days of her pregnancy. Noah was delivered via cesarean section on July 22, and doctors determined that he had passed away due to umbilical cord compression.
Understanding Watts’ grief firsthand, as their first granddaughter was stillborn, the Kumpulas saw the bench as a fitting tribute.
“An unused crib is a sad reminder,” Gerald explained. “A bench is more of a memorial. It’s part of that sad happening, yet it’s not a reminder like a crib would be, an empty crib.”
Watts offered to compensate Gerald for his work, but he declined, expressing his desire to help others in need.
“It’s nice to be able to do something for someone,” Gerald said. “It’s nice to help people.”
Watts, who is a babysitter and a mother to 7-year-old Nevaeh, will marry her fiancé Jimi Hamblin in the fall. She finds solace in the bench, which sits alongside Noah’s photos, handprints, footprints, and ashes.
“Sitting on the bench, I feel comforted by his presence, even though he’s not here,” Watts shared. “It’s a peaceful feeling. When I feel down, I can sit on the bench and feel that everything’s going to be okay.”
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Source: Adapted from Today.com
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