3120. Ginkgo leaves © Bruce Goodman 18 February 2025 |
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I don’t know if you are familiar with the ginkgo tree. It is also known as the maidenhair tree and is a species of gymnosperm tree native to East Asia. The plant may be toxic or allergenic in certain cases. Patricia’s husband, Denton, had been ill for years. It was only due to Patricia’s care that he had lived so long. At times, of course, she found his illness a burden. She hadn’t had a vacation in over six years. When she read online that an infusion of leaves of the ginkgo tree had wonderful healing powers she knew it was the answer to her husband’s problem. Fortunately there was a ginkgo tree in the local park. Authorities wouldn’t miss a few missing leaves. Patricia collected several dozen in her handbag, boiled them up, let the infusion cool, and voilà! There was the possible cure to the trouble. Denton knew the infusion was being administered; after all, he had to drink the stuff. He hoped as much as anyone that the medicine would work. It worked! As Patricia said (to herself), “I was hoping things would go that way.” The funeral is this coming Friday. Back to Index Next Story Previous Story |