Donna Morrissey and her four siblings were reminiscing one evening over drinks when she had an epiphany. Growing up in Newfoundland, Morrissey and her sisters spent most of their time indoors with their mother, while her brothers engaged in outdoor activities with their father. This family dynamic persisted into adulthood, leading to a realization for Morrissey as her brothers shared stories about their late father, revealing a side of him she had never known.
This revelation 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 her father’s grief following the loss of his wife to cancer, it also delves into other tragic events, including the death of Morrissey’s brother Ford in a workplace accident four decades ago.
Reflecting on the process, Morrissey expressed how writing this memoir, unlike her fictional works, exposed her to raw emotions, even bringing her to tears. She found it challenging to create characters that could authentically convey the depth of these personal stories.
The chapters of the book are narrated from the perspectives of Morrissey and her siblings, each chapter clearly indicating the viewpoint. Bringing these stories to life involved numerous discussions between Morrissey and her siblings, delving into the emotions and interpretations behind each event, occasionally leading to minor tensions among the siblings, which were quickly resolved.
Despite their close bond, the book has strengthened the connection between Morrissey and her siblings, fostering a deeper understanding of their shared experiences. Dr. Simon Sherry, a psychologist, highlighted the enduring nature of grief, emphasizing that relationships with lost loved ones can evolve over time.
Morrissey hopes that “Tell It to the Water” will resonate with readers, encouraging self-reflection on family dynamics and providing a blueprint for those wishing to explore their own family histories. Through the book, Morrissey and her siblings have found solace in confronting their past tragedies and growing closer as they navigate life’s challenges together.