Oh, that would be an awful feeling! I feel pretty bad just hearing about it.
I've seen plenty of tree rings displays at parks, and noticed them at times among pieces of firewood, but have never investigated any significant details about them.
If a process like you described with the polishing, substance, magnification are required, the question about the age of my former tree will remain a mystery. But it is fun to know there are other people MORE curious than me! : )
