Donna Morrissey, along with her four siblings, were reminiscing over drinks one evening when a realization struck her. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters had spent much of their time indoors with their mother, while their brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This family dynamic persisted into adulthood, leaving Morrissey unaware of a different side to her late father, as her brothers shared stories about him.
This revelatory moment inspired Morrissey’s latest book, titled “Tell It to the Water: Five Siblings Tell of Their Father’s Grief and His Struggle Back to Hope.” While the focal point is on their father’s grief following their mother’s death from cancer, other tragic events, such as the loss of Morrissey’s brother Ford in a workplace accident decades ago, also play a significant role.
Reflecting on the experience, Morrissey, who splits her time between Halifax and her home province during seasons, expressed how hearing her siblings recount their stories, wounds, and pain was a poignant revelation.
As an author of nearly a dozen fictional books, Morrissey typically finds emotional detachment from her characters’ feelings. However, delving into a memoir like this offered no such shield, with Morrissey admitting that some parts of the writing process moved her to tears.
The book’s chapters are narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, with each chapter clearly specifying the viewpoint. The preparation for publication involved numerous discussions and probing questions between Morrissey and her siblings, occasionally leading to brief tensions among the siblings, who, according to Morrissey, frequently quarrel but swiftly reconcile without harboring grudges.
Despite their already close bond, the process of creating this book has further strengthened the relationship between Morrissey and her siblings. Looking ahead, Morrissey hopes the book will prompt readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and provide a blueprint for those seeking to document their family history but unsure of where to begin.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a practicing psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, discussed the psychology of grief, emphasizing the ongoing emotional attachment people maintain with deceased loved ones. He highlighted the evolving nature of relationships with the departed as individuals mature and gain new perspectives.
Morrissey expressed that the book has brought her and her siblings closer together, making them cherish each other more as they navigate the ongoing impact of past tragedies. She emphasized that their story continues to unfold, with the shared experiences shaping their lives as they grow older and more vulnerable.
Overall, Morrissey envisions the book as a means for readers to explore and understand their family dynamics while also serving as a guide for those interested in chronicling their family narratives. The shared tragedies and enduring bonds have not only enriched their family history but have also deepened their connection as they face life’s challenges together.