YORKTON – A vigil for the missing Mekayla Bali was held at 37 Betts Ave. for the seventh anniversary of when the teen first went missing.
"I think one of the most difficult things through this whole process has been how emotionally taxing it is to choose faith over fear...wherever and whatever has happened to Mekayla...she is in God's hands," said Paula Bali, mother of the missing woman, in her address to the near 50 people in attendance.
"I've attempted to do this on my own and have not been successful in locating her," said Bali, adding, "In my heart, I still continue to feel that she is with us – so thank you, everyone, for coming."
The sombre evening was filled with music from local talent and written expressions from friends and family.
"Today we're here to remember a life altered – a young life in its beauty and sweetness, a young life unfolding and maturing into a lovely sweet woman...a life that was plucked from a home of love — she was kind and gentle — always more concerned about others than herself," said Bali of her missing daughter.
"Mekayla was a child who was always anxious to please–she was a soft and snuggly kid, really warm and precious," said Bali.
"A life full of potential and promise, cut short before its time – it feels like a tragedy to lose someone so young with so much potential and so much to offer the world," said Bali, adding, "It's a reminder that life is fragile and precious and we should cherish every moment we have with those we love."
"She helped me to appreciate the beauty around us; she profoundly touched the lives of those around her and that we will remember whether we see her again or not," said Bali.
"Let's honour her memory by living our own lives with kindness and compassion and a deep appreciation for the beauty around us...let's cherish every moment we have without loved ones, and let's never forget the preciousness of a life that's been tragically altered."
Mekayla Bali disappeared on April 12, 2016. The last confirmed sighting of the now 23-year-old was between 1 and 1:45 p.m. at the now-closed STC Bus depot.
At the time of her disappearance, Bali was wearing glasses, a teal/mint infinity scarf, jeans, a 3/4-length burgundy or purple coat, and blonde wavy hair worn down.
"Any information, no matter how insignificant, may be important to finding Mekayla Bali, so please contact your local RCMP, Crimestoppers or [call] 306-641-9436 with any information," read a press release from a website dedicated to finding the missing person.
In April of 2022, an anonymous group of Angel Supporters helped to increase the reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Mekayla Bali to $100,000.
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