Donna Morrissey had a poignant realization while sharing stories and drinks with her four siblings one evening. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters predominantly spent time indoors with their mother, while their brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This pattern continued into adulthood, leaving Morrissey unaware of certain aspects of her father’s character, as revealed through her brothers’ narratives about him.
This revelation inspired Morrissey’s latest book, “Tell It to the Water: Five Siblings Tell of Their Father’s Grief and His Struggle Back to Hope.” While the central theme revolves around her father’s mourning after his wife’s death from cancer, other tragic events, such as the loss of Morrissey’s brother Ford in a workplace accident four decades ago, are also significant in the narrative.
Reflecting on the process of writing a memoir compared to her usual fictional works, Morrissey admitted to being emotionally vulnerable during the creation of this book. The storytelling from her and her siblings’ viewpoints required extensive discussions and careful consideration of each individual’s perspective on past events, occasionally leading to brief tensions among the siblings.
Despite the challenges, Morrissey believes that sharing these stories has brought her closer to her siblings, strengthening their bond further. The book not only serves as a platform for readers to reflect on their own family dynamics but also provides a blueprint for those interested in documenting their family history.
Discussing the psychology of grief, Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, emphasized the ongoing emotional connection people maintain with deceased loved ones. He highlighted the evolving nature of these relationships as individuals age and gain new perspectives on their departed family members.
Morrissey expressed her desire for the book to inspire introspection among readers and encourage others to explore their family narratives. Despite the tragedies her family has faced, she finds solace in the unity and mutual support shared among her siblings, emphasizing the enduring impact of their collective experiences and the evolving nature of their shared story.