Mekayla Bali’s mother pushes on as third anniversary passes

It’s something most parents would consider a nightmare, and Paula Bali has been living it for the past three years.

On Friday, the anniversary of the disappearance of Mekayla Bali arrived. It was three years ago on April 12 that she was last seen — at a Yorkton bus depot.

“It’s agony, is what it is, to be perfectly honest,” said Paula, Mekayla’s mother. “Just not knowing anything, nothing moving forward despite all the efforts that we have done.”

Paula said there was a vigil on Friday night at Bali’s former high school. Friends and family were there, along with members of the Missing Children’s Network.

“Mekayla’s best friend from childhood … also came and shared some words, so it was nice,” Paula said.

Three years on, some families might start to slow down in their search and start refocusing their energy into other things, but Paula said that’s not her family. She’s not ready to give up.

“I really feel, in my heart, that Mekayla’s out there somewhere. I don’t feel like she’s passed to the next life, or whatever you want to call it,” explained Paula.

Bali and the RCMP

Paula still encourages people to talk to police if they know anything — anything and everything, even if it seems small or insignificant.

That’s despite Paula having a bit of a strained relationship with the RCMP. She said she has always been critical of the force, frustrated that nothing has been found in the case. Paula said she believes the RCMP is too bureaucratic and it takes too long to see results.

The RCMP said it still gets sightings called in about Mekayla and officers follow up on every one. A spokesperson said the police hours spent on the case are incalculable.

Online theories

As with anything in the public eye, people online can and will say whatever they want. Conspiracy theories and opinions about what happened to Mekayla have surfaced, and Paula said it’s not nice to see some of those.

“I think as Mekayla’s case goes on, it just sort of flushes out some very disturbed people who really insist on hashing out every little thing I say or whatever’s out in regards to Mekayla. They’re so askewed (sic) and they’re actually quite ridiculous sometimes,” said Paula.

She said she generally doesn’t respond to the theories.

Helping others

In addition to looking for her daughter, Paula has also branched out into advocacy work. She said she doesn’t want this to be a wasted tragedy.

“What can we do to make this really overwhelming situation to be in for a family, better for the next family, or the next Mekayla?” said Paula.

She said she has been pushing for things like more and better resources for families of missing children. Paula said it’s mind-boggling when you find out how few resources there really are.

Anyone with information on Mekayla Bali or her whereabouts is asked to call the Saskatchewan RCMP, or to anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.