Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were sharing stories and enjoying drinks one evening when she had a moment of realization. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters primarily spent time indoors with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This family dynamic persisted into adulthood, with Morrissey feeling that she didn’t fully know her father’s side of the story until that night.
This realization sparked the creation of 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 focus is on her father’s grief following her mother’s death from cancer, the book also delves into other tragedies, such as the loss of Morrissey’s brother, Ford, in a workplace accident decades ago.
Reflecting on the experience, Morrissey, who divides her time between Halifax and her home province, expressed how hearing her brothers’ untold stories was emotionally challenging. As an author known for her fictional works, delving into her family’s memoir left her vulnerable to the raw emotions that surfaced during the writing process.
The book is structured with chapters narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, each chapter clearly delineating the viewpoint. To prepare the stories for publication, Morrissey engaged in numerous discussions with her siblings, delving into the depths of their shared experiences and emotions surrounding the events described in the book.
Despite occasional tensions arising from disagreements during the writing process, Morrissey noted that these moments of conflict were fleeting, as her close-knit siblings quickly reconciled and strengthened their bond through the collaborative endeavor. Through this project, Morrissey and her siblings have found a deeper connection, emphasizing the ongoing impact of their shared history on their lives.
In discussing the psychology of grief, Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, highlighted the enduring nature of relationships with deceased loved ones. He explained that despite the physical loss, emotional connections persist, offering a form of solace and continued attachment.
Morrissey’s aspiration for the book is to encourage readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and inspire those interested in documenting their family history. She emphasized the evolving nature of grief and resilience within her family, underscoring the importance of mutual support and understanding as they navigate life’s challenges together.
