Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing over drinks one evening, leading to a profound realization for Morrissey. Growing up in Newfoundland, she noticed a gender divide where she and her sisters spent time indoors with their mother while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This pattern persisted into adulthood, with Morrissey feeling she didn’t fully know her late father’s side of the story until that night.
Inspired by this revelation, Morrissey penned her latest book, “Tell It to the Water: Five Siblings Tell of Their Father’s Grief and His Struggle Back to Hope.” While the 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, Morrissey, who splits her time between Halifax and her home province, shared how hearing her siblings’ untold stories was emotionally challenging. Unlike her fictional works, writing this memoir exposed her to raw emotions, even bringing her to tears at times.
Structured with chapters narrated from each sibling’s perspective, the book required extensive discussions and clarifications among the siblings. Despite occasional tensions, the process ultimately strengthened their bond, fostering deeper connections and understanding among them.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, shed light on the psychology of grief, emphasizing the enduring emotional ties individuals maintain with lost loved ones. He explained that while people evolve in their perceptions of deceased family members, the emotional connection persists, offering a form of solace.
Morrissey hopes her book prompts readers to contemplate their own family dynamics and serves as a guide for those wishing to explore their family history through writing. She highlighted how the shared storytelling experience has brought her closer to her siblings, emphasizing the ongoing impact of their collective experiences on their lives.
The memoir’s narrative not only captures past tragedies but also underscores the evolving nature of their shared story, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and connection as they navigate life’s challenges together.