Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing over drinks one evening when she had a profound realization. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters predominantly spent time indoors with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This familial dynamic persisted into adulthood, leading to Morrissey discovering a new side of her late father through her brothers’ stories.
This revelatory evening 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 Morrissey’s father’s grieving process following his wife’s death from cancer, it also delves into other tragic events, including the loss of Morrissey’s brother, Ford, in a workplace accident decades ago.
Reflecting on the experience, Morrissey, who splits her time between Halifax and her home province in the summers, expressed how hearing her siblings’ untold stories of pain was a poignant revelation for her. As an author of numerous fictional works, delving into her family’s memoir brought forth raw emotions that she found difficult to shield herself from.
The chapters of the book are narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, with each chapter clearly attributing the viewpoint. Bringing these deeply personal stories to print involved extensive discussions and probing questions between Morrissey and her siblings, occasionally leading to minor tensions that quickly dissipated, ultimately strengthening their bond.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a practicing psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, shared insights on grief with CBC News, emphasizing the enduring emotional connection individuals maintain with their departed loved ones. Morrissey hopes that her book not only prompts readers to reflect on their own family dynamics but also serves as a guide for those seeking to document their family histories.
Despite the deep-rooted tragedies explored in the book, Morrissey highlights how the process of sharing these stories has brought her and her siblings closer together, fostering a deeper appreciation for each other amidst life’s challenges.
