Carl’s Story: The Heart Behind Pisgah Needleworks

I remember the feeling of awe I had when I first accessed the internet in 1992. Of course, the experience was nothing like it is today. Still, the idea of technological advancement and connection to the wider world thrilled me. I couldn’t wait to see what the future would hold as technology evolved so rapidly. But it was my father who kept me grounded. He reminded me that if the power ever went out or the technology failed, the people who could work with both their hands and their minds would always have the advantage.

Today we live in a world where you can order almost anything from Amazon and have it delivered the next day, assuming you are a Prime member. You can open the Target app, place a pickup order, and have it ready within an hour, all without facing the crowds. But how often do we stop to think about who we are doing business with? Most of us don’t. We buy what we need and move on with our day.

I’ve shared our family’s story before, the reason we started Pisgah Needleworks. We are a family-owned and operated business with a single brick-and-mortar store and an online shop. But more importantly, Pisgah Needleworks represents our son’s future.

If you’ve visited our store on a weekend or a teacher workday, you’ve probably met my son, Carl. He comes with me every chance he gets. To him, Pisgah Needleworks is just as much his store as it is mine and Erin’s. It is his passion, his pride, and his opportunity to show the world that he belongs.

We met Carl when he was four years old and in foster care. At the time, he was considered a “last chance” child because his behavior was so challenging that social workers believed he needed to be placed at the Boys and Girls Home campus at Lake Waccamaw. But we were chosen, both by the social workers and, I truly believe, by divine intervention, to be Carl’s parents.

Carl has Autism, a mood disorder, and limited intellectual functioning. If you have ever seen a classroom torn apart in a moment of chaos, that was once our son. The trauma he endured left him angry, confused, and hard to reach. It took years of patience, therapy, structure, and support to help him find peace. Even now, his path to independence will always have challenges. But what Carl lacks in some areas, he makes up for in others.

We jokingly call him the “Mayor of Forbush” because everyone at Forbush High School knows who he is and genuinely likes him. He has never met a stranger. His social skills and kindness keep him connected to the world around him, even if he does not always grasp the complex math or science behind it all.

This past weekend, Carl and I worked the store together. Usually, he sticks close by and listens while I talk with customers and make sure their needs are met. But on this particular day, three different groups of customers came in at once. I was helping one person and greeting another when I noticed a husband and wife waiting nearby. Before I could get to them, I looked up to see Carl introducing himself. He proudly explained what our store offered and shared his favorite crafts.

I stood there watching, absolutely beaming with pride. This was the same boy social workers once said would never be able to handle social interaction or a job. And here he was, confident, capable, and kind. He took control of the moment, used every skill we have worked so hard to teach him, and made sure our guests felt seen, heard, and helped. Honestly, I think he is better at that than I am.

When you support our small, family-owned business, you are helping us secure a future for Carl. Life handed him more challenges than anyone deserves, but instead of withdrawing or blaming the world, he chose to grow. He has learned responsibility, independence, and the value of hard work. A job that rewards effort is a powerful thing because it builds self-worth. For Carl, every satisfied customer is a victory. He has found his place in the world, and he is meeting each new challenge head-on.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you, whether you visit our store in Elkin or shop with us online. When you purchase from Pisgah Needleworks, you are supporting not only Carl but our entire family and our mission to help foster children discover their value and understand that there are people who love them and will stand beside them. Our journey is still unfolding, and we are so grateful that you are part of it.