In 2008, Kris Armstrong received life-changing news while driving between her two jobs: her husband, Brandon Smith, had been in a serious car accident. At the time, she was just 23 and had only been married to Brandon for two years. Their plans for a family were suddenly overshadowed by uncertainty as doctors fought to save him.
By the time Kris reached the hospital, Brandon had slipped into a coma. Two months later, he woke up, but the man she once knew was gone. He suffered from post-traumatic amnesia and required constant care. “When someone has a severe traumatic brain injury, you lose that person, but you gain someone new,” she explained.
As Kris navigated this new reality, she sought guidance from God. She still dreamed of having a family, but the relationship with Brandon had changed dramatically. After much reflection, she made the heartbreaking decision to divorce him in order to become his legal guardian. “I took my vows seriously,” she said. “I didn’t stay married to him, but I wanted to take care of him.”
Her dedication didn’t waver; she attended appointments, advocated for his care, and managed his finances and health services. At a court hearing, a judge asked her how she would handle a future family. Kris assured her that nothing would change in her commitment to Brandon.
When Kris met James Armstrong in 2014, she was upfront about her situation. “I told him about my former husband and how it was a part of my life,” she recalled. James was intrigued rather than deterred, recognizing her compassionate nature.
The first meeting between James and Brandon was a pivotal moment. Brandon even invited James for a beer, which brought Kris joy. A year later, Kris and James married, and together they became a loving family unit, with their children cherishing time spent with “Uncle Brandon.”
Their unique family story resonated with many when Kris shared it on TikTok, garnering millions of views. “We’ve been living this unique family situation for about 15 years,” she said, emphasizing the connection and hope their story brings. “Brandon’s world got very small after his injury, but it has grown bigger again.”
