In a small town like much like any other, there lives a man like no other. His name is Curtis Franklin and he has dark brown, greying hair, kind blue eyes and a heart of gold.
Day after day, Curtis sits on a busy street corner and calls out to the people who pass him "Come to me if you need a friend." Some take him for a fool and keep on walking, but many others stop and pour their hearts out to him. He is known by young and old alike as the friendly old man. Even though at age 52 he is hardly old. Curtis welcomes anyone who stops to talk to him like an old friend. He never turns anyone away and will listen and talk with the person for as long as neccessary. If someone needs a friend, Curtis is there. Regardless of the time of day or night. He is just as gracious with his home and possessions.
For example one day Curtis brings a adorable cocker spaniel puppy with him to his corner. Soon, a young girl appears dragging her mother by the hand. She points to the puppy and says "Look mommy isn't he cute? That's the puppy I want!" The mother says "Maybe he's not for sale honey. You can't just say you want something and expect to always get it. Come on, let's talk to him."
Curtis hears the conversation between mother and daughter and waves them over. Then he picks up the puppy and places it in the little girl's arms. Her mothers says "We were just at the pet store looking at puppies. How much would you like for it?"
"Oh no. All I want is a promise that you will take good care of him."
"Oh he will be well loved at our house." Then the little girl breaks away from her mother and runs up to Curtis. She gives him a hug and a kiss on his wrinkled cheek. Then she says "Thank you." Then he looks up and meets her mother's eyes. Then he says "That is thanks enough for me." The mother shakes his hand and with tears in her eyes says "Thank you sir for your kindness and generousity." Then she takes her daughter's free hand and they walk off. Acts like this are a daily occurance with Curtis. Whatever he has, he gives freely.
But one day the tranquility is shattered forever. Tragedy befalls the selfless Curtis. Curtis is sitting on his corner when a very angry young man approaches him. Curtis starts to tell him to sit down when the main says "Oh shut up. You're just a foolish old man." Then the man punches Curtis has hard as he can in the cheek. Then with tears running down his face, Curtis silently turns the other cheek. The young man punches him again and knocks him to the ground. Then the young man pulls out a carving knife and stabs Curtis 3 times in the chest. Then he runs off leaving Curtis for dead.
Soon a large crowd is gathered around the dying Curtis. His breathing is very labored and it is a struggle to open his eyes. Curtis manages to open his eyes one last time and looks at each tear-stained face in the crowd. Then he says "Take time to be sad, but don't dwell on your grief. Remember me as I was in life. The best way to keep my memory alive is to treat others as I have treated you." Then he closes his eyes and dies.
Even though Curtis' killer is eventually caught and is sent to jail, nothing can bring back Curtis. The mayor takes up a collection and buys a beautiful plaque for Curtis' corner. It reads:
In loving memory of Curtis Franklin who was a friend to anyone. He gave so much of himself to everyone around him. But on this day, he selflessly and silently gave his life.
Born: October 17, 1944
Died: February 12, 1996
Curtis is never forgotten. Those who knew him, never forget him. Those who never knew him are told so his memory lives on.