Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing and sharing stories one evening when she had an epiphany. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters predominantly spent time indoors with their mother, while the brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This pattern persisted into adulthood, keeping certain aspects of their father’s life hidden from Morrissey.
From this revelatory gathering emerged 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 delves into Morrissey’s father’s mourning for his late wife’s loss to cancer, it also touches on other tragic events such as the workplace accident that claimed Morrissey’s brother, Ford, nearly four decades ago.
Reflecting on her brothers’ narratives about their father, Morrissey expressed surprise at discovering an unfamiliar side of him. She splits her time between Halifax in the winter and her home province in the summers.
As an author of numerous fictional works, Morrissey typically remains detached from her characters’ emotions. However, writing a memoir like this left her vulnerable, evoking tears and trembling in her voice.
The book is structured with chapters narrated from the viewpoints of Morrissey and her siblings, each chapter clearly denoting the narrator. To capture their stories authentically, Morrissey engaged in extensive discussions with her siblings, asking probing questions to clarify experiences and emotions.
Despite occasional tensions arising from their discussions, Morrissey emphasized that any disagreements were fleeting, as her siblings quickly reconciled. The process of creating the book has strengthened the bond among the siblings, fostering deeper connections.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, discussed the complexities of grief with CBC News. He highlighted the enduring emotional attachments people hold with deceased loved ones, shaping ongoing relationships even after their passing.
Morrissey aspires for her book to prompt readers to reflect on their family dynamics and inspire those interested in documenting their family history. She emphasized that despite the tragedies her family has faced, the shared experiences have brought them closer, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their collective story and the importance of mutual support.
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