INDIANAPOLIS — Jessica Masker's family has held a candlelight vigil on April 15 every year for 10 years since her disappearance, hoping every year will be the last.
"Hopefully, one day she can look up and maybe see a lantern in the sky and see it floating like we do," said Masker's mother, Cheri Edwards.
That's been Edwards' wish for the past decade — hoping the light from the lanterns will catch the right eye.
"She's missing out on so much," Edwards said.
Masker, a mother of two, was 24-years-old when she disappeared on April 15, 2013. Her sister, Ashley, was just 16-years-old at the time.
"My kids always say they miss her and want to meet her," Ashley said. "We all have kids now, and she never met them."
Her family said the past 10 years have felt like a nightmare.
"I would love to get a phone call that says, 'mom, I'm OK,'" Edwards said.
"It's really rough. You don't know when she's going to come home," her sister said. "The hardest is not knowing anything. We just want her to come home safe."
According to police, Masker was last seen on the east side of Indianapolis, near Washington and DeQuincy streets. At the time of her disappearance, investigators didn’t think any foul play was involved.
That shared feeling of desperation is why they gather every year for a candlelight vigil in Masker's honor.
"It helps us be strong for one another. We have one another to lean on and to be here for us when we are crying or sad," Ashley said.
They know they're just one of many families still waiting for answers after their loved one disappears. That's why her family hopes to shine a light not only on her disappearance but all people who are missing.
"If you have someone that's missing, just do everything you can in your power and do not give up until they're home," Ashley said.
That's exactly what they plan to do.
Jessica's family and friends are gathering Aug. 19, at 11:30 a.m. to pass out flyers and hang posters at Christian Park to spread the word.
"We love you so much, and we will not stop until you're home," Ashley said.