SadThe Middleis about to enter its final season?

Well, you might not have to say goodbye to the Heck family after all.

Patricia Heaton told EW that theres hope the series could continue in the form of periodic holiday specials.

Who knows, maybe well come back and revisit the Heck family on holidays or something?

Heaton said when discussing creators decision to endThe Middleafter nine seasons.

You could still do a lot with the kids.

I mean that would be kind of an ideal way to give fans a little something, she hypothesized.

Theres been a little bit of talk about it, but I dont know how serious it is.

Theres a possibility of doing Heck holiday specials or something, which would be a lot of fun.

Well see if that ever happens.

It just feels great and exciting and also scary and also sad, she says.

And we stay in touch through email or whatever.

So Im hopeful, and Im pretty sure that that will also be the case forThe Middle.

The Middles final season premieres on Oct. 3 on ABC.