People sang and prayed, hugged each other and cried and released 369 blue balloons to mark the amount of days Sky Metalwala had been missing as of last Saturday during a gathering at Downtown Park in Redmond.

Hope was in the air among the 65 attendees who joined Sky’s father, Solomon Metalwala, at the event.

“They came by to receive some strength that he is out there — and we will find him,” Solomon told the Reporter on Thursday morning. “It’s my job as a father to make sure that people hear about Sky day and night. I talk to people every day about Sky. I cry with people I meet at least once a week.”

Sky, then age 2, was reported missing by his mother, Julia Biryukova, on Nov. 6, 2011 in Bellevue after reporting she ran out of gas and left Sky in the vehicle while walking to find gas. When Biryukova, who lived in Redmond, returned, Sky was missing. An intensive search took place, but Sky was not located.

The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) investigation is still open and active and the effort on this case has never stopped.

A BPD press release stated that while it has been hard for family members to cope with the disappearance, it is not uncommon for new information to come to light even after a year or more.

Solomon noted that he commends the police for doing all they can to find Sky and keep the case in the public eye.

“It’s a very hard case. There’s not too much evidence to find Sky,” said Solomon, a Kirkland resident.

Next week, Solomon will be among a group of people visiting the capitol building in Olympia to meet with legislators and discuss whether police officers everywhere should receive extensive training to help find missing children.

Solomon said that he has faith in the police and in God that Sky will be found.

“God is the only one who can make some light in this dark situation,” he said.

People have supported Solomon in person and by writing messages on the Bring Sky Metalwala Home Facebook page.

“Solomon, I know this has been the most difficult year you have ever had to go through. We want you to know that you are not alone, you and Sky are always in our thoughts and prayers,” reads one entry.

Another entry reads: “Sky not a day goes by that we don’t think of you! Praying that you will be brought home safe and unharmed.”

Anyone with any information regarding Sky should email pdtipline@bellevuewa.gov.