Grandmothers raising grandchildren is not a new phenomenon and this is becoming more and more common. Every year, an increase number of grandmothers of all ages and from all ethnic and socio-economic groups are becoming primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Consequently, this research aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of grandmothers raising their grandchildren and how they were able to manage those responsibilities that were given to them. It also investigated how assuming the grandmother’s role has influenced the identity of grandmothers as lifelong mothers. The researchers utilized Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen’s approach in conducting a descriptive qualitative phenomenological inuiry design. Employing purposive sampling, the researchers gathered data through in-depth interviews and informant observations. The informants of the study satisfied the following inclusion criteria (1) grandmothers who have taken care of their grandchildren for at least five 5 years, (2) their grandchildren’s parents are dead or their parents are abroad for more than ten (10) years and (3) their grandchildren who are left by their parents. Data saturation was reached after eighth informant was interviewed. To ensure saturation, two additional informants were included. Once transcription was completed, their narratives were subsequently analyzed to identify common themes reported by them and integrated those into meaningful experiences. Trustworthiness and rigor of this research paper were established using several strategies such as member checking and bracketing or identification of researchers’ personal biases. Four major themes emerged from this study namely:
Lengthened role which talks about the extended responsibility oNhe grandmothers to their grandchildren, Overt adjustments emphasizes the difference between the type of care rendered as a mother and as a grandmother, iooming outcomes describes the resulting outcomes of grandparenting categorizes as both positive and negative, and Actuating motivations explains how grandmothers are encouraged to continue being a lifelong mother to their grandchildren. These major themes formed the acronym LOLA which identified the lived experiences of grandmothers raising their grandchildren. With all the findings, the researchers therefore concluded that despite the struggles, grandmothers still relatively gain self-fi.ilfillment and satisfaction as they perform their role as lifelong mothers. Moreover, it is suggested that the acronym LOLA be used as a representation and shortened guide of the lived experiences of grandmothers raising their grandchildren.