As a young doctor, his idol was not some famous entertainer or author but doctor Christiaan Barnard (1922-2001). In South Africa, in 1967 he was the first doctor in the world to successfully perform a heart transplant. Today heart transplants are not rare news but in 1967 it was like the first person setting foot on the moon.
In one day he became the world's most celebrated person. Popularity drove him in a not-so-good direction. He was associated romantically with some famous actresses, his family broke up, he divorced his wife and married an heiress who was about the age of his son and divorced, after 3 divorces on a vacation he died of an asthma attack. The writer's idol in this way disappeared from the world stage.
He met the doctor for the first time in his third year of medical school. Dr. Barnard came to his hospital for a lecture and received the mass-media spotlight— more reporters in the auditorium than medical personnel. The doctor was able to talk to Doctor Barnard for a few minutes and shook his hand. He didn't want to wash his hands after the encounter.
Five years ago he visited South Africa and wanted to visit the museum at the Groote Schuur Hospital. The world's most famous personality 15 years after his death was even forgotten by his hometown.
He wanted to visit the museum, but since he was with a group he took time from his hotel stay at lunchtime to go to the museum. The museum was only 10 minutes away. A rather shaggy placard met his eyes with the words: Cape Town Heart Museum-World's First Heart Transplant—
He opened the door and a middle-aged woman told him the museum would open at 3:00 pm for 2 hours. He would have to come back at 3:00 pm. Like a well-rehearsed monologue, he told the woman the reasons he wanted to visit the museum from the time he shook the hand of the doctor many years before. The doctor suffered from arthritic hands how long did he continue with surgery? He asked the woman. He told the woman that he was with a group and would not be able to come again at three. He wanted to have a picture with the doctor even if it was only a photograph. The woman reluctantly gave him permission. He was free to visit the museum and was thankful to the woman and since it was not time, she didn't accept any entrance fee.
In the museum was a beeswax image of the doctor at a desk with a telephone in his hand. These are the words that he seemed to be whispering to him. "Doctor Yom do not try to be a hero, enjoy every moment that comes." His words stung as if he knew who was standing before him. "Do everything to the best of your ability out of love with all those with whom you associate. Wanting to be remembered is of no value and life is too valuable to do so."
In his hometown, they have forgotten him. Christiaan Barnard his idol he sadly left behind leaving the museum which had few visitors. The woman at the desk who allowed him to enter the museum will be remembered more so than his idol of years past.
