![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RMXNy0w5xf9Yk3nYyDyCL4eD6gnC304_Lfb3Urfdra1IFtVP6yHOrVknsUFb_OAHQm1t4PLx3pozK0dPv-F-EendJ2lMGIzvB0GbhN_PIvjIJ5TCLrQmQps25hI0H8L1wvyJ2OUhsgE/s400/40+days.jpg)
Each day for 40 days this glass on the kitchen window sill will be refilled with fresh water.
I learned about this ritual from a neighbour who attended the Greek Orthodox church. When someone dies, the water is placed out for 40 days for the spirit of the loved one to come and drink.
It's a reminder of Bruce many times a day; it's a prolonged, private goodbye; it helps me mourn.
It brings to mind the biblical promise of the Christian god not to send another flood after the one that lasted 40 days and 40 nights. It's a reminder that there won't be another Bruce, either.