Final answer:
In 'Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story', Carson's mother claimed to be staying with relatives but was likely facing personal struggles or handling matters away from her sons.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, Ben Carson's mother told him that she was staying with relatives but in reality, she was not staying with any relatives. This part of the memoir deals with the difficulties and sacrifices she made, which included periods where she had to leave and take care of matters, often without giving the true nature of her circumstances to her sons. This is part of the narrative that shows the immense challenges and personal struggles that Ben Carson’s mother faced while raising her children alone.