I just came from seeing Shelley Fillipoff, mother of Emma Filipoff who has been missing for 17 months. Shelley is my friend in the weird way that your friend’s parents are when you come from a small town. But I am definitely friends with Emma’s sister. We’ve shared many nights of too many beers, traveled recklessly and worked hard together – as young, worry-free people do.

That was a long time ago, before their family changed, before Emma disappeared.

I was unsure what it would be like to see Shelley tonight. I thought it highly likely we would cry. I thought it probable that she would be a mess and I wouldn’t know what to say…

But we had a task to do: pick up her friend at the airport, her friend that has flown all the way from New Brunswick to spend this time searching in Vancouver with Shelley. And with a task to do we could stay focused. It’s like a job. You can keep your feelings in check when you have a job to do and searching for her daughter is now this mother’s job.

Tomorrow as I celebrate Mother’s Day with my family like so many other mamas, Shelley will be walking the streets praying to happen upon her lost child.

I don’t think there could be a deeper heart break than not know where your child is but the resiliency I saw in Shelley triumphed the devastation. The hope was stronger than the sorrow.

It is expected that Emma is suffering from schizophrenia or another mental health issue which has led to her disappearance. There is hope that she will be found within the vulnerable community here in Vancouver.

Please look closely at these photos. Please watch the video. PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. She is out there somewhere. Someone knows something.

There is an campaign to raise funds for the search. Please donate if you can.

Email any information you may have to fillipoff@hotmail.com