The search for 85-year-old Shirley Warrington is into its 12th day, but the Christchurch woman's family is still baffled as to where she's gone.
Police have suspended their physical search, but the family are continuing their own and calling on the public to help.
Karen Colville desperately wants her mum home.
"I try to be strong," she said. "I think it's getting worse the more it goes on because you live in hope that each day brings her closer."
Family friend Kathleen Cameron says they're still hopeful they can track her down.
Shirley and her husband Wally, both in their mid 80s, went out in this car on the afternoon of Saturday, July 10.
"They were heading towards Burnham; mum had it in her mind that she had to go and find someone," Colville explained.
Shirley hasn't been diagnosed with dementia, but the family says she's old, frail and probably got confused.
CCTV footage has shown the couple got petrol in Rolleston. Police then spoke to them because they were driving with the lights on high beam.
Police pointed them in the direction of home, but an hour later they were captured on CCTV footage again in the Heathcote Ferrymead area, on the other side of town.
It's believed Shirley was wearing a thin black dress when she disappeared. Since then, Christchurch has had several bitterly cold nights.
Police have suspended the physical search, but the family is adamant they'll continue.
Shirley's disappearance has struck a chord with wider Christchurch.
Random members of the public have drawn up maps, making spreadsheets and posting on a Facebook page the granddaughters created.
As the days draw on, more flyers are folded and more maps used as people are urged to check their backyards.
"We just want her home. We just want mum home," says Colville.
Overwhelming emotion, as the search for their Shirley continues.
