Donna Morrissey had a poignant realization while enjoying drinks and exchanging stories with her four siblings one evening. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters predominantly spent time indoors with their mother, while their brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This pattern persisted into adulthood, leading to Morrissey discovering a new side of her late father through her brothers’ narratives.
This realization 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 central theme revolves around Morrissey’s father coping with the loss of his wife to cancer, the book also delves into other tragic events, such as the death of Morrissey’s brother Ford in a workplace accident four decades ago.
Reflecting on the process of writing a memoir compared to her fictional works, Morrissey expressed vulnerability, admitting that some parts of the book moved her to tears. Despite drawing inspiration from personal experiences for her novels, she found it challenging to create characters who could convey the raw emotions depicted in her family’s stories.
The book’s narrative unfolds through chapters written from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, each chapter clearly indicating the viewpoint it represents. Bringing these stories to life required numerous discussions and probing questions among the siblings to accurately capture their emotions and experiences.
While the writing process occasionally sparked tensions among the siblings, Morrissey emphasized that their close bond ultimately prevailed. The book not only strengthened their existing relationship but also provided a platform for deeper understanding and connection.
Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, discussed the psychology of grief, highlighting the enduring emotional attachment people maintain with loved ones even after their passing. He emphasized the evolving nature of relationships with deceased individuals as individuals grow and gain new perspectives.
Morrissey expressed her hope that the book would encourage readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and serve as a guide for those wanting to document their family history. She emphasized the ongoing impact of their shared experiences, underscoring the importance of cherishing familial bonds as they navigate life’s challenges together.