While Valentine's Day is considered a time for romance, for many it's a reminder of loneliness.
That’s why Seth Stewart has spent the last seven years making sure that local widows, single women, and military spouses in Spokane, Washington are not forgotten during the holiday.
Every morning on Valentine’s Day, Stewart and his brothers deliver single red roses to the homes of women who have lost their spouses or had their significant others deployed overseas. Deployed husbands and boyfriends will also contact Stewart to add a personal touch to a flower delivery for their significant others.
28-year-old Stewart keeps a list of all the women and mothers in his area who he delivers to every year. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Stewart asks Facebook readers to send him the additional names of women who might need a pick-me-up so he can add them to the list.
Stewart says that he and his brothers generally deliver between 400 to 500 free roses every year with the help of a delivery driving team – but they are hoping to deliver many more roses in the years to come, especially after witnessing the emotional impact that it has had on the recipients.
“Every single year we do this, there are always one or two women who break down sobbing because it means so much to them,” Stewart told CNN. "Some of the stories are so touching," Stewart says as he describes a message to a recent widow. "No matter how bad you are feeling there is always someone thinking about you."
If you would like to nominate someone to receive a rose next Valentine’s Day, you can send Stewart a message via his Rose Rush Facebook page.