Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing over drinks one evening when she had an epiphany. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters shared indoor activities with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor pursuits with their father. This family dynamic persisted into adulthood, leading Morrissey to discover a new side of her father as her brothers recounted stories about him.
This revelation inspired Morrissey’s latest book, titled “Tell It to the Water: Five Siblings Tell of Their Father’s Grief and His Struggle Back to Hope.” Although the book primarily focuses on 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 decades ago.
Reflecting on the process, Morrissey, who splits her time between Halifax and Newfoundland, expressed how writing a memoir like this stirred deep emotions within her, unlike the fictional characters she typically crafts. The book, narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, required extensive discussions among them to ensure accuracy and clarity in storytelling, occasionally leading to brief tensions that were quickly resolved.
Despite their close bond, the book strengthened the connection among Morrissey and her siblings, fostering a deeper understanding of their shared experiences. Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist at Crux Psychology in Halifax, highlighted the ongoing nature of grief, emphasizing that people maintain emotional ties with deceased loved ones.
Morrissey hopes that “Tell It to the Water” prompts readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and inspires others to document their family histories. She believes that the book has not only brought her siblings closer but has also enriched their appreciation for each other as they navigate life’s challenges together.