A/N: a personal indulgence for one of my favorite fictional characters...
FBI Director James Aubrey stood up at the head table. "May I have your attention, please?" The crowd grew quiet. "We're here to honor a man who's given the FBI 40 years of service: first as an agent, then as an instructor, and finally as FBI Academy Superintendent. Ladies and Gentlemen….my friend, Seeley Booth."
After the standing ovation, Director Aubrey began again. "Booth represents everything good about the FBI: courage, loyalty, integrity, and faithfulness. He is the epitome of what every one of us should strive to be." More applause. "That's why the agency has chosen to rename the award given to outstanding agents each year. From today forward, it will be known as the Seeley J. Booth Award of Excellence." Another standing ovation ensued.
Booth was in shock. He knew they were going to honor him with a retirement dinner, but this was a surprise beyond comprehension. He saw his wife's smile. "You knew? You kept this a secret?"
She nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I'm so proud of you, Booth."
It was time for Booth to speak to the people gathered in the room. Looking over the crowd he saw his colleagues from the Jeffersonian and the FBI as well as agents he had mentored over the years. His children were there with their spouses and his grandchildren.
"Thank you. I'm overwhelmed…. I'm too emotional right now to make much sense. What I've realized through the years is that my success at the FBI wasn't because of my abilities. My wife and my co-workers have all contributed to my work at the FBI, and without them I would be nothing. This recognition belongs to all of them. Thanks again."
Booth sat down to thunderous applause, smiling through tears, and kissed his wife.
"Well, Bones….I guess I made a difference after all….."