His wife simply observed “The man totally believed in God and his healing.” Tillmon sat in the chair wearing nothing but a blanket for eight months and it appears that his wife did not call for medical intervention during that time.
In a poignant footnote given today’s health debate, they originally tried to schedule a medical appointment but they could not afford the $300 that the doctor wanted upfront.
Instead, he spent his time reading the Bible and praying for healing like Job. In his case, he remained in the recliner awaiting divine intervention.
He also posted sermons online and texted messages of faith through his cell phone. His wife could not keep him clean since it was impossible to roll him over for a bedpan, which must have produced nightmarish circumstances.
Eventually she called for an ambulance and the medical staff found him covered in sores. He died at the hospital.
Yet, his wife will not be charged and she does not regret allowing him to suffer in this condition, noting “If I feel anything right now, it’s envy for him because I wish he had taken me with him.” Now that is faith.
Previously, I wrote a column on faith-based abuse of children in the denial of health care. I believe adults have a right to deny themselves such care, though the assistance of the wife in this case raises some serious questions. Sitting in one’s filth for eight months raises an issue more of sanity than piety.
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