Note 47

Cliegg,

Qui-Gon Jinn had advised me on a topic, and I'm very happy that he turned out to be right. I won't tell you what it was, but I'm just smiling. He had much wisdom. I'm sorry that he will not be training Anakin.

I was so very happy to hear you use the pronoun "our" in reference to Anakin. Considering all of the events and everything that is happy, I'm proud to acknowledge you as Anakin's father once again.

Yes, Anakin was the hero of the space battle with the Trade Federation. I am so very proud of him! And that is not all. Our little Anakin is to be trained as a Jedi Knight. Anakin has sent word to me that the Council granted Obi-Wan full status as a Knight, and that they have agreed to let Anakin train under him. Can you believe it? Unfortunately, there is also a consequence to this. The Jedi Council is not allowing Anakin to have any contact with me whatsoever. I suppose, then, that it would be good for us to return to the yearly correspondence with one another once again. Anakin was the only reason that we broke that, and now that I can no longer inform you what is going on in his life, it would be silly for me to continue to write you as often as we recently have.

I don't know how Anakin did it. I suppose he did it the same way that he races pods. Qui-Gon said that the Force was strong with him. That's how I think he was able to pull off what he did in that battle.

What you said in humor about the Queen of Naboo made me laugh….oh Cliegg….he told me that he wants to marry her. He has a crush on her. I don't remember if I told you that. That's why I had to laugh.

If all Jedi are like Qui-Gon was, I believe we can trust the promise of a Jedi. Obi-Wan Kenobi, who was Qui-Gon's apprentice has promised to train Anakin. Despite what Anakin said of his early experiences with the Jedi Council, I believe that these Jedi like him very much, and will be always watching out for him. I have to believe this. If I gave up that hope, I don't think I'd be able to sleep at night. Yes, it would be good to pray that wherever in the galaxy he journeys, he can protect himself.

If you don't want to see me, then fine. Yes, let us continue to correspond with one another yearly. That will do.

Someday you will find that strength. I just hope it doesn't take you too long to find it. You should know me better than that, Cliegg. I have never demanded a great life. I have lived the life of a slave these past ten years. Before that, I lived with you…and you know the kind of life we had together.

Rhun has gotten much better, and he says that he can move around with little pain again. He said that he would like to go back and forth between us, visiting both of us. Watto doesn't seem to mind. He's still upset over losing Anakin.

Cliegg….do you really think that you could save up enough money to free me? I don't know how much money I cost, and I don't want you gambling to get it…you hear me!!

I have been thinking a lot about you recently as well. You would let Owen visit me as well? That would be so wonderful! Cliegg, I have already forgiven you for the past. I think it will take a long time…I don't know how many years, but I would like to put the entire past behind us. Someday I don't want to have to look back on this awful time. Everything can be different.

Yes, let's work on this reconciliation process slowly. I look forward to seeing our sons. They need some time to get used to the idea of seeing us both again.

Please send a response back, and I will reply to it next year.

Shmi