Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff (Little Rock)

I took time out to care for a family member after working as a mechanic. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I am not sure how much to explain. Did anyone get past it?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 13 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

I was hired after a 13-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.