Here is a very special award which our grandson, Stephen Michael Holman Morris, received. It was published in The Beacon, April 27, 2000, a periodic part of the Virginian-Pilot, which serves the Tidewater area of Virginia.
Local Cub Scout’s quick action saves his mother’s life Youth is
given a special award for his effort
By Nancy Speer
KEMPSVILLE - Stephen Morris 9, has the same interests as a typical second-grader. He likes “Star Wars” movies, riding his bicycle and playing the piano. But one thing about Stephen is not typical. He helped save his mother’s life.
Because of taking the necessary steps to help his mother during a health crisis, Stephen has earned the Certificate of Merit from the Tidewater Council of Boy Scouts. Emily Morris, Stephen’s mother, suffers from recurrent hypoglycemia, a disorder causing low blood sugar. On January 29, 1999, Morris took her son to the dentist. While waiting, she experienced a life threatening hypoglycemic episode. Stephen recognized his mother was in trouble and took immediate action. He informed the emergency team in the office of his mother’s condition and what to do to help her.
Stephen then directed personnel to his mother’s van to get the necessary medicine. After the medicine was injected, Stephen gave his mother some soda and crackers to help prevent a further drop in her blood sugar.
The episode recurred later in the same day, when Stephen and his mother were at home. He quickly called the doctor at Portsmouth Naval Hospital and spoke to a medical corpsman. This time, it was necessary for Stephen to give the injection himself. He was alone because his father was on a Navy deployment and no other adults were present.
The corpsman then instructed Stephen to call a family friend to take his mother to the naval hospital, his mother was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit.
“My disorder is potentially life threatening,” Morris said. “I truly believe that I would not be here today if it weren’t for Stephen. When I understood my son saved my life, I was so proud.” Also, Stephen has been recommended for a National Heroism Award sponsored by the Boy Scouts. Mike Schutt, Stephen’s Cubmaster, will present the national award.
“I was surprised Stephen was even aware of what he needed to do,” said Bruce Morris, Stephen’s father. “I am just so glad that he did.”
Stephen has taken it all in stride. “I just knew I had to help my mother,” he said. “I was pretty scared, but my Cub Scott training helped me.”
