Man took hundreds of roses to surprise seniors in a retirement home — their responses are heartbreakingly beautiful

People often conceal the wounds they carry in their hearts with smiles and silence. Sometimes, all a person needs is a thoughtful gesture, a simple “How are you?” to help them find hope amid the silent burdens of pain. A young man named Zachery Dereniowski–who goes by @mdmotivator on TikTok–helped relieve this pain for several elderly people at a retirement home with his thoughtful act of kindness. He decided to give each senior citizen in the home a rose and in return, he came across some of the most beautiful yet heartbreaking realities of love that have us choked up.

Dereniowski often carries out acts of kindness by reaching out to people in need, even random strangers, and offering help. This "help" often looks like handing over a few dollars, sharing a meal or even giving out flowers, like in this instance. As the video began, he walked over to a flower boutique, “Dak’s Flowers,” and requested a thousand roses. Baffled at his order, the owners wondered what his need might be. “I want to go to a few retirement homes and hand them out,” he revealed. The woman stared at him in awe after learning his intentions. Heidi, one of the owners, revealed that she’d been working at the store since she was 12 years old. She was moved by Dereniowski’s kindness and wanted to give him a good price for his work. 

Dereniowski visited retirement homes as planned and engaged in tear-jerking conversations with the elderly people he encountered. First, he met a woman with a walker. When he asked whether she wanted a rose, she responded, “I just want a hug.” Obliging gladly, Dereniowski offered the warmest embrace. “I’m 99!” she exclaimed. He then came across an elderly man named John. “When was the last time you received a rose?” he asked John. Getting sentimental, the old man replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever received a rose.” Handing over a rose to him, Dereniowski could see John look at it in confusion yet with gratitude.

Without knowing or planning it, the young man was healing so much in the lives of the elderly. Offering the rose to another senior woman, Dereniwoski was moved to tears after hearing her response. “I needed this rose,” she said before revealing that her sister was on her deathbed at the hospital and she couldn’t be with her. “I’ll be thinking of her,” he assured while giving the resident a warm hug. “I’ll always think about Helen when I think about this rose. She loved roses. You’re a sweetheart,” the woman said. Yet another woman was confused. “Me? Why would you give me a rose?” she asked. “Because you’re amazing,” Dereniowski responded.

Having plenty of other poignant interactions, Dereniowski touched the hearts of many that day. His example is inspiring others to spread kindness, one simple act at a time. @daniellelankin revealed, “The second gentleman you gave the rose to is my grandpa. He’s been going through a lot so seeing him smile made me tear up. Thanks, Zach.” @fennelferret added, “Seeing the old men get roses makes me happy—it might have been the first time for them all.” @evelyndqueen remarked, “Thank you for visiting them.”

You can follow Zachery Dereniowski (@mdmotivator) on TikTok for more wholesome content on kindness.