Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were having a casual gathering, sharing stories over drinks when she had a profound realization. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters spent most of their time indoors with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This family dynamic persisted into adulthood, leading to Morrissey discovering a previously unknown side of her late father through her brothers’ narratives.
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 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 several decades ago.
Reflecting on the experience, Morrissey shared, “My own stories were familiar to me, but theirs were not. Listening to them recount their struggles was quite emotional.” Despite being an author of numerous fictional works, delving into her family’s real-life experiences in this memoir evoked strong emotions in Morrissey, leading her to tears during the writing process.
The book is structured with chapters narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, each chapter clearly indicating the viewpoint being presented. To prepare these personal accounts for publication, extensive discussions took place among Morrissey and her siblings, involving in-depth conversations and clarifications about the events and emotions portrayed in the book.
While tensions briefly arose during these discussions among the siblings, Morrissey emphasized that their close bond allowed them to quickly resolve any conflicts. The collaborative effort in creating the memoir not only strengthened their existing relationship but also brought them even closer together.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a practicing psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, provided insights on grief, highlighting the enduring emotional connections individuals maintain with their deceased loved ones. He explained that despite physical loss, people continue to nurture emotional bonds with the departed, evolving their relationship over time.
Morrissey expressed her aspiration for the book to prompt readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and inspire those interested in chronicling their family history. She emphasized that while the book encapsulates past tragedies, the stories continue to influence their lives, reinforcing the importance of familial bonds as they navigate through shared experiences and aging together.
