I am David Apilado Sr. I am almost 60 years young. I had my first Aortic valve surgery at 24 (Pig), and since then have had two more surgeries (Bovine). I had my first pacemaker implant after the first surgery, and I am working on pacemaker number 6. I have had additional wires replaced over 35 years. I have been a heart patient all my life, and can honestly state the journey has not been easy. I count my heartbeats and take a pulse without touching a vein. I have almost died more times than I can count but I have come to believe, the most painful death of all will not be a physical death but a spiritual one. I have learned to live my life one heartbeat at a time and what is important to me is what I do with each beat.