How does Erlen Steves cope with the loss of his wife while raising his daughters?

Erlen Steves copes with the loss of his wife by immersing himself in the routine of maintaining the lighthouse and telling stories to his daughters. He struggles with grief and feels bewildered by the task of raising his daughters alone. He eventually seeks help by requesting a schoolteacher and nanny to assist with their education and care.

Erlen Steves finds solace in the steady routine of maintaining the lighthouse, such as cleaning the glass and polishing the lamp, which provides him with a sense of constancy and comfort. He tells his daughters stories, particularly about selkies, which captivates them and allows him to connect with them despite his grief. However, he feels inadequate and bewildered by the responsibility of raising his daughters without their mother. Recognizing his limitations, he writes to Mr. Wilson to request a schoolteacher and nanny, resulting in Sister Rosetta being sent to help care for the girls.