If you don’t like the thought of experiencing feels on a Monday, you might want to turn away now. This is heartbreaking.
But don’t worry – it’s not all doom and gloom: this story has a happy ending.
Gumtree, the Australian knock-off of Craigslist, is notoriously associated with everything from illicit drugs to fake jobs to creepy singles looking for a good time.
That’s what makes the ad posted last week by widowed pensioner Ray Johnstone so heart-touching and pure. And with over 31,000 views at the time of writing, Australian’s have taken notice.
Ray, from Lewington in Adelaide’s north, isn’t after anything untoward – all he wants is a friend to go fishing with.
“My name is Ray Johnstone. Australian. I’m a widowed pensioner who is looking for a fishing mate. My previous mate is now deceased.”
“What I want is a fishing mate in a similar position to myself who also wants someone to go fishing with.”
“I am willing to share all costs, e.g. petrol, bait, and should you happen to own a boat I am willing to pay all ramp fees, but happy if you are also a land-based fisherman.”
Tears in 3 . . 2 . . 1
“If you are interested, contact me to arrange a meeting to see if we could get along with each other.”
The saddest part? Under ‘Condition’, Ray decided to label the ‘product’ (himself) ‘Used.’
But in a surprising happy twist – after all of those horrible twists of 2016 – Ray revealed that he had indeed found himself a new fishing buddy after his ad went viral.
We’re a bit upset we didn’t get the opportunity to apply, but absolutely stoked that Ray has found a new companion he’ll have for hopefully a long time to come.