Dear Criminal Minds,

Since 2005, you have provided me with entertainment, an increased awareness of my surroundings, comfort, and hope. We've been together for over ten years, which is longer than any friendship or relationship I have ever had. You are there on the nights when I can't fall asleep. You keep me company when I am up late studying for finals. You give me a common interest to talk about with my family, since you are the one show in existence that we all five love watching. You have increased my medical and crime vocabularies. You have introduced me to profound quotes by intellectuals, authors, and politicians. You've made me laugh, you've made me frustrated, and you've made me cry. But most importantly, you have shown me what true friendship and true love looks like.

True friendship is when the whole team puts their lives at risk to save a team member in danger, without even questioning it. True friendship is when Morgan stays up all night to make sure that Garcia stays safe while she is being stalked. True friendship is when the whole team comes back together following Gideon's death, and when we learn that Reid has stayed close to him all this team. It's when the whole team shows up at Rossi's favorite bar for a night of karaoke on the last night the bar is open. True friendship is how Morgan supports Garcia to go visit the man who attempted to kill her and Morgan. Every member of the team experiences personal trauma, and the rest of the team does their best to support them. They show one another that no matter how bad it is, they are not alone. They love one another's children like their own and protect their families when they are in danger, because this team of elite FBI profilers are family.

I just wanted to take this moment to say thanks to Hotch, Rossi, Gideon, Morgan, Garcia, Prentiss, Blake, Kate, and JJ. Thank you for being there for me during late nights of studying for finals, for making me laugh, and for showing me true friendship. Thank you for twelve thrilling seasons, for over 242 perfect episodes, and for being there for your fans since 2005.

Love,

Your fans