(Image from IMDB)
How oft has a similar scene played out over the years in a time not so long ago, in a galaxy not so very far, far away?
For most people April showers bring May flowers and the day set aside to honor the woman–women for those of us who have wives that have borne us children–who should be honored every day of the year. This is true in the Anderson household as well. But for some of us the month of May for the past 34 years (since May 25th, 1977) has also been strongly associated with George Lucas because of the children of his imagination.
It struck me last night as we watched the second film of the prequel trilogy, Attack of the Clones, that whereas the original trilogy pivoted on the role of a father, the prequel trilogy has a strong thread of motherhood running through it. In the first film we see Shmi Skywalker sending her son off to meet his destiny. In the second, the terrible fate of young Anakin Skywalker’s mother firmly establishes him on a path from which a mother’s love and guiding hand might have saved him. The prequel trilogy concludes with young Padme Skywalker, nee Amidala, giving birth to those famous twins, Luke and Leia, the grandchildren of Shmi Skywalker.
In spite of their many and varied flaws, it appears that George Lucas has actually crafted the perfect films for Mother’s Day viewing! 🙂 At least that is what we have been doing in our home this Mother’s Day Weekend. I bet my mom is glad she is out of town!
Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful mother, who thankfully has never crossed paths with a Tusken Raider and to my darling wife who did not bear to me twin saviors of the galaxy, but did give me the gift I wanted most: a baby girl. (Shhh…don’t tell anyone that was nearly 19 years ago. It makes me feel old!)
And Happy Mother’s Day to all the rest of you out there, those who have become mothers through the miracle of childbirth, those who choose to bring children into your home through foster care and/or adoption, and those who have stepped into the mothering role in someone else’s life. You are all very real heroes and you have my eternal gratitude.
