“I kept up with my software courses, but employers see the gap and stop listening.”

I recognized the apology beneath her words.

“What did you manage during those four years?” I asked.

“His medications, appointments, insurance, his small pension, and the household accounts.”

“Then you’ve been managing a complicated set of responsibilities,” I replied.

“Tell me how you organized them.”

Her face brightened.

She described color-coded spreadsheets, calendar reminders, and a filing system that would have impressed any office manager.