LIFE JOURNEY WITH SOMEBODY SPECIAL: THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITY

Central to this study is the lived experiences of parents of children with physical disability. This study was conducted at Barangay Poblacion 8, Midsayap, Cotabato. It included as participants purposively chosen parents of children with physical disability. Their ages ranged from 31 to 53 years old, and were all mothers. The physical disabilities of their children were either musculoskeletal (orthopaedic) or visual. This study made use of the phenomenological research design. Findings bared that despite the apparent conditions of their children, the participants joyfully and with gratitude accepted their children as blessings from God. They spent bonding moments with them, and at times appreciative of their learning of new things, and were busy taking good care of the total well-being of their children. They were aware of their children’s limitations, but they do not consider them as different. Nevertheless, they sought acceptance, respect, and understanding from others. The participants were concerned about the health issues of their children, anxious about the mistreatment they received from others, and pondered on their possible rejection in the future. The participants stood by their children and draw strength from God. They look at the bright side of life and hope that their children finish studying. The participants as mothers were longing for help for their children’s sake.  Article visualizations: