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

In July, Valarie Watts tragically delivered her stillborn son, Noah. While grieving, she decided to sell most of the items she’d prepared for his arrival, except for a white crib. Retiree Gerald Kumpula, a skilled craftsman, asked to buy it, and despite her hesitation, Watts sold it to him for $2. A week later, Gerald and his wife Lorene delivered a bench made from the crib, understanding how meaningful it would be for Watts. The heartfelt gift allowed Watts to create a memorial for Noah, bringing her comfort and joy. Gerald refused payment, saying, “It’s nice to help people.”

Watts has a 7-year-old daughter, Nevaeh, and will be marrying Hamblin this fall. She stated that the bench – which sits near a corner bookcase that holds Noah’s photos, his handprints, footprints, and ashes – is helping her cope with grief.

“In a way, when I’m sitting in it, I feel comforted by his presence, even though he’s not here,” Watts, a babysitter, said. “It’s like a peaceful, it’s-OK type feeling. When I feel down, I can sit on the bench and I feel OK, everything’s going to be OK.”