Today I am learning a valuable lesson. I am here in the infirmary on my shift as a volunteer hospice worker. Today I met a man named Buck. Buck has a rare disease that has him in really bad shape. This disease has many different impacts on Buck health including an enlarged heart that was not pumping blood properly through his aorta. As a result of this malfunctioning valve, Buck has had a whole host of serious health complications. One of which came as a result of taking medication called pressures, that on one hand was lifesaving yet it cost this man greatly. The purpose of taking this medication was to get blood flowing to his core (lungs, kidneys, heart) An unfortunate byproduct of blood being forced to his core was, it cut off all of the blood flow to his fingers and toes. As a result, Buck lost all ten of his toes. On one hand he lost a thumb and forefinger, and his other hand looks as if he has severe frostbite. Buck is hooked up to a machine that is keeping him alive by doing the work of his heart and pumping blood for him. All of this happening at once, he's hooked up to an L-Vac machine, has a wound-Vac in his chest, an IV with a drug called Melarone that is also key to keeping him alive, a trachea incision that is problematic, a defibrillator, feeding tube, oxygen and other issues. All of this while receiving substandard care because of being incarcerated and Buck is as pleasant as anyone I have had the pleasure to encounter. I am receiving a lesson in gratitude. Buck is grateful to be alive, this is my third hour here and there has been not one single complaint of any kind from Buck. I do not know Buck outside of this space, but to witness this amount of gratitude in spite of extremely challenging conditions, is awe inspiring and is challenging me to be better, to do better and so from this moment forward I will attempt at all times no matter the circumstances to lead with gratitude! Thank you, Buck, I am going to utilize your example to better myself.