Watts had felt less fetal movement in the final days of her full-term pregnancy, and Noah was delivered on July 22 via cesarean section, just hours Watts and fiancé Jimi Hamblin learned that there was no heartbeat. According to doctors, the umbilical cord became compressed, depriving Noah of oxygen.

The Kumpulas, whose first granddaughter was stillborn, understood Watts’ pain better than most.

“An unused crib is a sad reminder,” Gerald said. “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 pay him, but Gerald refused.

“It’s just nice to be able to do something for someone. It’s nice to help people,” he said.