Donna Morrissey and her four siblings enjoyed a night of drinks and storytelling that led to a significant realization. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters predominantly bonded with their mother indoors, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This familial dynamic persisted into adulthood, with Morrissey discovering a new perspective on her late father through her brothers’ stories.
This revelatory evening 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 focus is on their father’s grief following their mother’s death from cancer, the narrative also delves into other tragic events, such as the loss of Morrissey’s brother Ford in a workplace accident decades ago.
Reflecting on the process of writing a memoir compared to her fictional works, Morrissey admitted to being emotionally exposed, even shedding tears during the writing. Despite drawing inspiration from personal experiences for her novels, she found it challenging to create characters capable of conveying the depth of these real-life stories.
The book’s chapters are narrated from the viewpoints of Morrissey and her siblings, with each chapter clearly attributed to a specific sibling. Bringing these stories to life on paper involved numerous conversations with her siblings, delving into the emotions and motivations behind each event recounted.
While tensions occasionally arose during these discussions, Morrissey highlighted that their close bond always prevailed, ultimately bringing them even closer together. The book served as a catalyst for deeper connections among the siblings, fostering a shared understanding and appreciation for their shared history.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, shared insights on grief, emphasizing the enduring nature of emotional bonds with deceased loved ones. He explained that while people may evolve in their perception of lost loved ones over time, the emotional connection remains, offering a form of comfort in the face of loss.
Morrissey expressed her hope that the book would encourage readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and inspire others to document their family histories. Despite the tragedies her family has faced, she emphasized the growing closeness among her siblings, highlighting the ongoing impact of their shared experiences on their lives and relationships.
