A memoir about a family tragedy, exploring conflicting family stories, searching for spiritual belonging, and personal connections to family and the ocean.
The importance of unraveling family narratives through open communication and interviews, fostering understanding and connection among family members.
The process of confronting buried emotions and finding healing and transformation through introspection and memoir writing.
Deep dives
Seeking Belonging and Truth
Sarah Conover, an orphan who lost her parents at a young age, explains how she grappled with a sense of belonging and a desire for truth throughout her life. She describes her journey of searching for answers and finding solace in nature, spirituality, and engaging in religious studies. Through interviews with her siblings and cousins, she unearths the family's stories and experiences, allowing for healing and a sense of closure. She eventually changes her name back to her birth name, Conover, reclaiming her identity and embracing her past.
The Impact of Separation and Secrets
Growing up in a family shattered by tragedy, Sarah highlights the profound effects of separation and secrets. She acknowledges the misunderstandings and fictions that develop in families and how these stories can shape relationships. Sarah emphasizes the importance of unraveling these narratives through open communication and interviews, ultimately fostering understanding and connection among family members.
The Complexities of Grief and Numbness
Sarah delves into the complex emotions of grief and numbness that accompanied her loss. She shares her experiences of dissociation and its role as a defense mechanism. Despite attempting to bury her grief, Sarah confronts its return in her midlife, leading to a period of depression. Through introspection and writing her memoir, she navigates the unearthing of buried emotions, eventually finding healing and transformation.
Coming Full Circle with a Memorial
After 58 years, Sarah and her family hold a memorial for their parents and grandparents. This gathering serves as a closure for the family, allowing them to recognize and honor their shared history. Through this process, Sarah unravels the significance of familial belonging and how it shapes personal identity. The memorial brings together conflicting narratives within the family and encourages healing and unity.