Road to recovery
A story of returning to normalcy
Western Kentucky University has over 2,000 employees that work on its campus. One of those employees is Willie Moyer. Moyer, 61, has been with the university for over 14 years. Two years ago, Moyer fell on bad health when he suffered a brain hemorrhage that put him out of work for several months. Moyer recently returned back to work but is still facing the problems caused by the brain complication.
Moyer originally worked in facility maintenance for the university but because of the difficulties he has now, he has been moved to work in Fresh Foods, an on campus cafeteria, for part of the time and maintenance his remaining time. The brain hemorrhage caused him to lose his ability to taste and smell as well as damaged his hearing.
“It’s difficult to understand what people want in line and I’ll have to ask them again”, said Moyer, "I'm not a fan of working up here but I have to keep food on the table at home. At least this way I stay moving".
Mr. Moyer’s wife, Charita Moyer, also works for the university. The two try to meet up on campus when they can and at the end of the day Mr. Moyer picks her up from her job at Pit Stop, a small convenience store, at the bottom of the hill.
The Moyer’s spend most of their time outside of work together in their living room. It has become their place for relaxation. “We are getting old, we don't really go out much. This is pretty much how we spend our evenings", said Mr. Moyer.
To stay active and as a way to get some rehabilitation Mr. Moyer also helps take care of his grand daughter, Aria, when their son has to go to work. The Moyer’s try to keep their family as close as possible. He still tries to get out and take her places when he has the energy. "We might not be able to get out much anymore but Aria is really all the entertainment we need", said Mr. Moyer.
Wiliie Moyer (right), 61, listens to an order being placed at Fresh Food Company. Moyer’s has been an employee for Western Kentucky University for 14 years and returned back to work in the spring after taking time off for recovery after suffering a brain hemorrhage. The hemorrhage caused Moyer’s to lose the ability to taste or smell and damaged his ability to hear.
Willie Moyer serves food to a student during lunch at Fresh. Moyer is still recovering from the brain complication and has to split his work between maintenance work and Fresh.
Willie Moyer (right) and his wife, Charita Moyer (left) watch t.v. in their living room. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moyer work for the school and spend their evenings together in their home.
Willie Moyer waits for his grand daughter to arrive. Mr. Moyer helps take care of his grand daughter, Aria, whenever his son has to work.
Charita Moyer (left) holds onto her grand daughter, Aria, and asks her about her day. The Moyer's spend 3-5 nights a week looking after their grand daughter who is 4 years old.
Willie Moyer (right) wipes the snot from Aria's nose. Still recovering from his injury Mr. Moyer has to be careful when it comes to being clean and wants to make sure his family is healthy.