It’s that time of year once again; the Linscott family Christmas letter has made its way to your screen. Jump for joy, click your heels, call your friends and wake the kids because it’s time to gather round and read aloud. I recommend you roast some chestnuts, make a batch of nog with cinnamon sprinkled lightly on top, throw a log on that crackling fire and pull your loved ones in tight for what surely is the annual highlight you await so eagerly. What could be better than the annual Linscott letter? What indeed.

So, without further ado, here’s all the news that’s print to fit…

Donald Jacob is 22 years old, living in Poughkeepsie New York working as a restaurant manager and bartender. His goal is to get back to the Culinary Institute to complete two more years of studies and a BA in Beverage Management. He is working toward becoming a wines expert and is currently a level two. I’m not sure what that means or if he has his yellow belt in wines and has 5 more levels to get his black belt but I do know he’s working his way up. We always look forward to his trips home because he cooks and spoils us.

Sharaya Michelle is 24. She and her husband Jake live in Yarmouth, Maine where they bought their first house at the end of last year and have been renovating room by room. Shara is closing in on finishing her MA while working fulltime as a teacher for autistic children. Her husband Jake is a manager at a well-known local restaurant and is continuing his education while working fulltime. Sad news came this fall when their little dog, Skittles, was hit by a car. We all miss that little yapper.

Joshua Abram is 26 and finishing up his PhD. in Manhattan, NY. He was accepted by Tufts Medical School to begin his MD studies next fall. So … other than that he hasn’t accomplished much of anything. Oh, wait, there was something, now what was it? Oh yeah, in July he married Kristen on Fort Meyers Beach, Florida. That is the highlight for this year!

The wedding brought us all to Florida for 9 days of family fun. Can you imagine what a thrill it was for me to officiate the wedding of my son who saved my life by giving me half his liver 14 months before? Without that transplant, his wedding would have included something in my memory but instead I got to pronounce Josh and Kristen husband and wife! We are blessed. Kristen is nutty like the rest of us and fits right in.

After the wedding the rest of us headed to the Disney parks for a week of fun. We learned that we can vacation together with no problems or stress. We just had one little “grumpy dad” incident that passed quickly. What a gift to enjoy each other so much that we can all be together with no stress, no drama and lots of laughter. I expect the kids will soon invite us to Cancun with them. (hint)

Robin is still working at the hospital as well as building her bookkeeping business. She enjoys running and hanging out with her wonderful husband. (wink) I am doing great and am working again. I’m riding my bike and fighting weight gain. My favorite thing is hanging out with my wonderful wife. We rode in the Lighthouse Ride together in September; 25 miles. Next year we are going to do a century ride, 100 miles in a day!  (Robin is still resisting this idea) We are blessed. Every day is a bonus day!

In September the First Baptist Church of Westbrook asked me to serve as interim pastor and I accepted. I have enjoyed having purpose again and getting to preach. Before my transplant I feared that my ministry days were finished but God has restored me.

God is always good to us. We are so blessed with so many friends and family in our lives. Our family continues to grow and talk around the table is now sometimes about future grandbabies, and houses and careers. We love our adult children and treasure the times we have them home.

What about my miniature schnauzer, Pompom? She’s almost 2 and is the best little dog on the planet. She is my pal and constant companion. I am a big believer in therapy dogs now because she has been so good for me during my recovery. Today I am at 100% and feel better than I have in 20 years.

We pray you have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2014!

Scott and Robin Linscott
5 Village Ln
Westbrook, ME 04092

liver4scott@linscottphoto.com