[Chefelf]

Lonely granddad seeks family to adopt him
Italian's appeal in classified ads tugs heartstrings across nation

Updated: 11:18 a.m. ET Aug. 30, 2004

MILAN, Italy - “Elderly retired school teacher seeks family willing to adopt grandfather. Will pay.”

Lonely Giorgio Angelozzi, 79, published his appeal in the classified pages of daily Corriere della Sera over the weekend, tugging on heart strings across family-loving Italy.

The classics teacher has lived alone outside Rome with seven cats since his wife died in 1992 but on Monday he had received dozens of replies from across the country.

“So many families want to adopt me as their grandfather,” said Angelozzi who promised 500 euros (around $604) a month to the family who took him in. “So many families answered my appeal and want me to teach their children and their grandchildren about Horace and Catullus.”

Among those who responded -- from southern Catanzaro to northern Milan -- was much-loved Roman popular music singer Antonello Venditti, one of Angelozzi’s former students.

“I was not expecting so much warmth, so much interest in my story,” Angelozzi told Corriere on Monday. “But remember that my problem is one that affects so many elderly people in Italy.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5867106/

I'd like to think that the response was due to the "warmth" of mankind but I'm far to cynical to believe that. I think the 500 euros may have had a lot more to do with all the "love" going around.

Thanks to reiner for this one!

[Jordan]

This is classic. It's almost as lame as my idea of posting an AD in the Vancouver Sun. It was going to be labelled "rich man's lacky". For 20 bucks an hour I would roll joints, open doors, go buy stuff, fill car up with gas etc...

At least my idea had merit. I'm not to sure anyone likes having old people around. My family is really distant and estranged. I've met my cousins I think 3 times in 22 years so my take on extended family is a bit perverted.

[Just your average movie goer]

You guys are terrible. Can't we just let this story slide and take it at face value?

[SimeSublime]

The heading just brings forth a picture of Grandpa Simpson sitting in the old folks home, when he picks up the phone and says "Hello? Is anyone there?" and then just sighs and hangs up. Terrible, but funny in a sadistic way.

[Jordan]

One day we will be old and unwanted too. I plan on having at least 5 kids. That's why people have them in the first place. Comfort in old age. We like to think raising a kid and bring in new life to the world is rewarding, but really it's just a self preservation. An unconciously selfish way of keeping your ass out of the old folks home. Future investments.

This post has been edited by Jordan: 05 September 2004 - 10:13 AM

[Amber-Nicole]

It's not a bad story, I think it's actually kind of sweet. And I don't think old people are unwanted! My grandparents get kind of crazy in their old age, but I still love them and enjoy spending time with them. I think history is interesting though, and kind of enjoy hearing the long winded stories about the past. I know I'm an odd one myself, but come on, they're people! Jordan, you're mean. ^ _ ^

[Chefelf]

It is a pretty sad story. While I try to be as good as possible to everyone I meet I just find it very unlikely that the 500 euros don't have anything to do with all of this generosity people are feeling.

[J m HofMarN]

Poor guy, I do hope he finds some people who actually want to hang out with him.

[reiner]

I thought it was sweet how people wanted him to tutor their children. How nice to be able to have a family (sorta) and get to do what you loved to do before retirement.