Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing and sharing stories one evening when she had an epiphany. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters predominantly spent time indoors with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This pattern persisted into adulthood, leading to a realization for Morrissey as her brothers recounted tales of their late father, revealing a side of him she had not known.
This revelation served as the inspiration for 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 Morrissey’s father coping with the loss of his wife to cancer, the narrative also delves into other tragic events, such as the death of Morrissey’s brother, Ford, in a workplace accident four decades ago.
Reflecting on the experience, Morrissey expressed how hearing her siblings’ untold stories of pain was poignant for her. Despite being an established fiction writer with numerous books to her credit, Morrissey found delving into her family’s real-life struggles to be emotionally challenging, even bringing her to tears.
The chapters in the book are narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, with each chapter clearly indicating the viewpoint being shared. Bringing these personal accounts to print required extensive discussions among the siblings, involving probing questions to capture the essence of their experiences and emotions during pivotal moments.
While the process occasionally caused tension among the siblings, who are known to bicker but quickly reconcile, Morrissey highlighted how the book has strengthened their bond further. She emphasized that the stories shared in the memoir continue to shape their lives, underscoring that the family’s journey is ongoing.
In discussing the psychology of grief, Dr. Simon Sherry, a practicing psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, explained that individuals can maintain a profound emotional connection with deceased loved ones, fostering a continued relationship despite their physical absence. Sherry noted that over time, people may evolve in their perceptions of those they have lost.
Looking ahead, Morrissey expressed her hope that the book will prompt readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and inspire those interested in documenting their family history. She shared that the process of writing the memoir has brought her closer to her siblings, fostering a deeper appreciation for their shared experiences and the challenges they have overcome together.
