A neighbor encouraged me to sell them at the farmers’ market. I earned only $47 the first weekend, but customers kept returning. Over the next 10 years, my small hobby gradually became Caldwell Hearth Teas, a successful company supplying cafés and specialty stores across the state.
The money gave us security, but it never changed our family.
Owen became quiet and thoughtful, while Miles was affectionate, outgoing, and always laughing. To them, I was not a business owner.
I was simply Grandma.
During those 10 years, Camille never visited, called, sent birthday cards, or paid the child support she owed.
Then a regional magazine published an article about my company. It mentioned that I had started making tea after losing Nathan and becoming guardian to his twins.
Three weeks later, Camille appeared at my gate with an attorney.
She did not ask about the boys. She simply handed me a petition asking the court to terminate my guardianship and award her full custody.
“You abandoned them,” I said.
“I was young and grieving. I’ve changed.”
“They don’t know you.”
“They’ll adjust.”
