Dear my Maze Runner family,

This week we get our final film from the TMR trilogy, The Death Cure. As much as it's an exciting moment, it's also a bittersweet one.

Five years ago I picked up The Maze Runner from my library. I was a freshman in high school in need of a new book to read. I knew the second I read the first page that this was something I was going to love. I met Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Minho, Chuck, Alby, Gally, and so many more incredible characters. After I read the first book, I immediately got the second one, then the third, and later on, the prequels. These books became such a special part of my life and continue to be today.

In that early 2013 when I read the first three books, I got the news that the first one was going to be adapted into a movie. Ever since then, I followed everything on the first film including who was going to direct it, the casting, production dates, location, everything! However, it didn't stop there. Other than the movie, I wanted to know if anyone else had read the books and was just as much in love with them as me. I joined Twitter and amazingly, found other fans. We discussed and fangirled over everything together. It was so amazing to connect with others all over the world who loved the same things I do.

This all happened five years ago and it has developed into something so special. You all are some of the best friends I have and will always have. This especially goes to my closest friends, Olivia, Natalie, Charlotte, Margot, Sara, Sean, and Owen, who almost all have been there since day one. From all our Glader Hangouts, #GetToKnowGladers event, trailer reactions, and each film, I will never forget the love and support this family shows. It's incredible how big our little fandom has grown over the years and it continues to stay strong. It's safe to say that this has been the best time and it has literally changed my life.

Now to the James, Wes, the cast, and everyone else who worked on these films. James, you have impacted so many lives around the world with your stories and especially TMR. You became my favorite author and that stays true to this day (I have always kept that promise we made when we met)! Thank you for creating this world that I've fallen in love with. Wes, for being a first time director on this movie, you have done such a phenomenal job. I love your passion for film and these books. You took this unique story and created some amazing films. I look forward to your future work! To the entire cast, you guys are some of the most talented people out there. You brought these characters to life beautifully. Thank you for always connecting with us throughout this entire time. Finally to the amazing BTS crew including T.S. Nowlin, Wyck Godfrey, John Paesano, Ken Barthelmey, and everyone else, you are really what make these films absolutely incredible! I'm excited to see what you put together in The Death Cure and your future work! Overall, we are so grateful for what all of you have done and are proud of your work!

So, yes, we have arrived at our final film, but that doesn't mean goodbye. We will always be together and united for the rest of our lives; a special connection like this is something that will never die.

We aren't just a fandom, we're a family.

From the bottom of my heart, I love you.

~Miranda (MJ_Glader)