Selig Offers Free Pearls for Mothers, Spouses of Troops

As the first Sunday in May quickly approaches, sons and daughters are scrambling to find that perfect give to make their mothers light up with joy and feel appreciated for the love they've given unconditionally over a lifetime.

While it is a day on which many mothers and wives hope to put up their feet, relax and enjoy being tended to, there are thousands of mothers across the nation whose tension will likely not be relieved on Sunday, given the fact that their son, daughter, husband or wife will not be home to shower them with affection. Instead, they are stationed abroad risking their lives, or spending their time training for military action in a far-away domestic town or city.

Bill Selig Jewelers is making an attempt to comfort the mothers and spouses of American troops who will not be home this mothers day — those mothers need only stop by one of the jewelers' locations in the region (one is located on Broad Street in Windsor) to receive a free, genuine, fresh-water pearl necklace.

To program, run by Bill Selig, Jr., is an effort to "show people serving that we care about them and their families," said Selig.

The effect of war on a family is something that hits home for him. Selig remembers hearing his father's stories, and how his life was changed by World War II. Bill Selig, Sr. was an engineer on a B-17 bomber and flew several "dangerous missions over Germany and Britain," said Selig, Jr.

That influence has been compounded by the image his parents presented of a nation at war, but united at home, heavily involved in the support of their troops abroad. But this war, "in this war, there's not as much awareness," he said.

The plight of mothers and spouses with soldiers away from home is rarely displayed outside of the homes military families; however, Bill Selig Jewelers, in addition to offering a great, free Mother's Day present, are offering an opportunity for the loved ones of those serving to come together, share stories, pictures and take part in a day that can be somewhat cathartic.

The shop encourages loved ones to bring in their photos when they arrive to pick up their pearls, tell merchants and fellow customers about their soldier. There will be a large bulletin board upon which pictures of the soldiers of other mothers and spouses will be displayed, and there are time when mothers or spouses find common ground beyond their missing a loved one.

Selig recalls a Mother's Day weekend when two mothers came into the shop, began talking about their sons, and realized that their sons were coming home on the same ship. They ended up carpooling together to welcome their boys home.

The free necklaces will be offered from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the jewelers' shop at 161 Broad Street. Don't forget to bring a picture, a child and a story. Bill Selig Jewelers will also be giving away a free hair and makeup makeover and a patriotic quilt.