It 's been a difficult Summer . Though my faith can never be broken , it is fragile and fragmented . I have no doubts that it is real or it is good , but things conspire to undermine it : my father 's ill - health and imminent decline , my love / hate relationship with my mother , my husband 's fragile nature and dissatisfaction with his current lot in life , my own mid - life concerns and little plagues , a good friend 's grave illness - serious lack of sleep .

Question: Why has their summer felt difficult ?
Answer: They are dealing with their own chronic illness .None of the above choices .Their father had passed away suddenly .They have been under a lot of stress .