Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing and sharing stories one evening when a realization struck her. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters typically spent time indoors with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This pattern persisted into adulthood whenever the family gathered. Listening to her brothers recount tales about their late father, Morrissey discovered a side of him she had never known before.
This epiphany during a night of storytelling 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 book primarily focuses on the grief Morrissey’s father experienced after his wife’s passing from cancer, it also delves into other tragic events, including the death of Morrissey’s brother, Ford, in a workplace accident four decades ago.
Reflecting on the process, Morrissey, who splits her time between Halifax and her home province in the summers, shared that uncovering her siblings’ untold stories was a poignant experience. Unlike her fictional works, delving into her own family’s history in a memoir like this evoked strong emotions, even bringing her to tears.
Structured from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, the chapters in the book explicitly identify the viewpoint of each narrator. Bringing these stories to life for publication involved numerous discussions between Morrissey and her siblings, where clarifications were sought on particular lines and the emotions surrounding various events.
Despite occasional disagreements among the siblings during this process, Morrissey emphasized that any conflicts were short-lived, as they have always maintained a close bond. The book not only deepened their existing connection but also provided a platform for them to explore and understand their shared experiences further.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, discussed the enduring nature of grief, highlighting that individuals can maintain a dynamic relationship with their departed loved ones. As people age, their perspectives on lost loved ones may evolve.
Morrissey expressed her aspiration for the book to prompt readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and inspire those interested in documenting their family history. Despite the tragedies her family has faced, she emphasized that the shared experiences have brought her and her siblings closer, instilling a sense of preciousness in their bond as they navigate life’s challenges together.