Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing one evening when she had a moment of realization. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters spent most of their time with their mother indoors, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This family dynamic carried on into adulthood.
During the storytelling session about their late father, Morrissey discovered facets of him that were previously unknown to her. This revelation inspired her latest book, “Tell It to the Water: Five Siblings Tell of Their Father’s Grief and His Struggle Back to Hope.”
While the core of the book revolves around Morrissey’s father coping with his wife’s death from cancer, it also delves into other tragic events, such as the loss of Morrissey’s brother, Ford, in a workplace accident four decades ago.
Reflecting on the experience, Morrissey shared how hearing her siblings recount their stories of pain was deeply moving for her. Despite being an accomplished author of fiction, delving into her own family’s narrative in a memoir format exposed her to raw emotions she couldn’t shield herself from.
The chapters in the book present perspectives from Morrissey and her siblings, with each chapter distinctly highlighting the viewpoint it represents. Bringing these stories to life on paper involved numerous discussions among the siblings, with probing questions aimed at clarifying intentions and emotions during pivotal moments.
Although these conversations occasionally sparked tension among the siblings, Morrissey emphasized that any disagreements were fleeting, as they quickly resolved their differences. The process of creating the book has further strengthened the bond among Morrissey and her siblings, fostering even deeper connections within the family.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, discussed the complexities of grief, noting that relationships with loved ones can endure beyond death, shaping ongoing emotional connections. He highlighted how individuals may evolve in their perceptions of deceased loved ones as they age.
Morrissey aspires for her book to prompt readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and serve as a guide for those interested in documenting their family history. Through the process of writing and sharing their stories, Morrissey and her siblings have found renewed closeness and appreciation for each other, recognizing that their shared experiences continue to influence their lives.
[Image: Donna Morrissey, center, is pictured with her four siblings, capturing the essence of “Tell It to the Water: Five Siblings Tell of Their Father’s Grief and His Struggle Back to Hope.” (Submitted by Penguin Random House Canada)]
