(Editor&8217;s note: This is the first in a series of stories from Miss-Lou residents about

some of the most memorable gifts they&8217;ve received during the holiday season. )

NATCHEZ &8212; The best gift Margaret Lawrence ever received for the holidays came a little early for Christmas &8212; but right on time according to his due date.

In a day when many people think of material possessions as their best gifts, Lawrence immediately thought of her son Melvin, now 36, who was born Dec. 18.

Melvin &8220;has brought me a lot of joy&8221; and very little heartache, Lawrence said. &8220;He don&8217;t drink, don&8217;t smoke &8212; and don&8217;t curse in front of Mama.&8221;

&8220;Joy&8221; wasn&8217;t exactly the word Lawrence was thinking of 36 years and one day ago, however.

&8220;I was in labor from 9 o&8217;clock until 4 the next morning, and he was big, almost 9 pounds,&8221; she said during her shift at the Ferriday Police Department. &8220;And that was in the days before they gave you drugs for the pain.

&8220;When I brought him home for Christmas, I told my husband, &8216;This is your Christmas gift,&8217;&8221; she added with a laugh.

Melvin was also a special Christmas gift for his big brother, Darrin, now 37.

&8220;They were close all (while they were) growing up, because they were born so close together,&8221; Lawrence said.

Her Christmas baby, now working as a truck driver but still living in Ferriday, is all grown up now and has given her some of the most special gifts of all: four of her nine grandchildren.