Author - Rennes (from )
.net/u/1466587/Rennes

Anakin? Our Anakin? The hero of a space battle with the Trade Federation!? And this Qui-Gon had promised to protect the life of our son! He's so young; how could he handle that all himself? Next thing, you'll be telling me that he's marrying the queen of Naboo….
So much for the promise of a Jedi. He feels so far away, Shmi. I think all we can do at this point is pray that wherever in the galaxy he journeys, he can protect himself, because no one else will.

I don't know what I could tell you to make you understand why it's better that we don't meet. I could let you look upon me, but you wouldn't see me. After all, a letter is only ink and paper. I doubt that you still know who I am.
Do you know how it feels to look upon someone you love and feel completely powerless to help them? You offered up the best opportunity you could so that Anakin could have the life he always wanted; but I've never had your strength. There is no platter for me to offer you a new life on. I'm chained to the costs of life. The best I can do at this point is hope for the recovery of Rhun which will allow me to start saving up again for your freedom.

I can promise you, Shmi, there isn't a day when I don't think of you. There isn't a moment when I don't feel the regret of leaving you behind all those years ago. But I can't give you what you deserve. I will continue to allow the boys to visit you periodically; Owen is also interested in meeting you again. But please don't ask me to face you like this. When I look at you, I can only see my own shame reflected in the years that you and Anakin have suffered. You were once angry at me, but that anger is trivial next to the rage I have felt at myself. You can't ask this of me, not now. Please be content for the time being to share only the bits of me that you meet in our sons, as I will do the same for you.

-Cliegg