Mom Sells Dead Son’s Crib, Buyer Returns Week Later And Says ‘Look In Trunk’

Note: This story was originally reported in May 2014.

After losing her son Noah to a stillbirth in July, Valarie Watts was devastated. While she sold most baby items at a garage sale, she held onto his crib—until 75-year-old craftsman Gerald Kumpula asked to buy it to repurpose into a bench.

Watts agreed, not knowing that Gerald’s wife, Lorene, had learned of her loss. Touched by her story, the Kumpulas returned a week later with a beautifully crafted bench made from Noah’s crib—refusing any payment.

Now placed in her living room, the bench serves as a peaceful memorial for Noah. “When I sit on it, I feel OK,” Watts said. “It brings me peace.”

The Kumpulas, who also lost a grandchild, said, “A crib is a sad reminder. A bench is a memorial.”