Explaining a gap after caregiving or layoff, mechanic here

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 have done some volunteering and a course during that time. Did anyone get past it?

I was hired after a 11-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.

I listed the volunteering and course under the same dates and kept the explanation to a sentence in the cover letter.