Here is a real-life story of profound compassion and selflessness stemming from divorce.
Kris Armstrong was a young wife in Texas whose commitment to caring for her ex-husband after a life-altering accident has become a global beacon of hope and inspiration.
In 2008, Kris received a life-altering call that her then husband Brandon had been in a devastating car crash. The impact of the accident left Brandon in a coma and, when he woke up two months later, Kris found herself facing an entirely different person. With a severe traumatic brain injury, Brandon was permanently disabled and required constant care, marking the beginning of a challenging life journey for Kris.
Kris was a young wife, and desperately wanted a life with a loving husband, and to build a family with children.
Despite the hardships, Kris turned to her deep sense of commitment and spirituality for guidance. She knew the gravity of the vows she had taken to Brandon – in sickness and in health.
Kris faced the heartbreaking decision of divorcing Brandon to permit her to build a family, but mentally committed herself to Brandon as his legal guardian.
Kris’s dedication to Brandon‘s well-being remained unwavering. She took on the role of legal guardian, attending all his appointments, advocating for him, managing his finances, and overseeing his healthcare.
When Kris met (her now husband) James in 2014, a single father with a young child, she laid her cards on the table from the start. She made it clear to James that caring for her ex-husband was part of her life.
James, also a caring and compassionate person, found a kindred spirit with Kris, and embraced the situation without hesitation.
When Kris and James got married, they officially solidified their joint commitment to Brandon.
Now more than a decade after the life-altering accident, the love within their family has flourished.
Kris and James now have children – who cherish their “Uncle Brandon”.
This story shows us that love knows no bounds.
Kris’s unique story has touched millions of viewers on TikTok.
This remarkable story is not just about divorce, but about the extraordinary lengths one person can go to uphold vows of love and support, even after the legal ties are severed.
In a world that often highlights the trauma of divorce, Kris’s story stands as a testament to the power of compassion, commitment and integrity.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kris-armstrong-husband-traumatic-brain-injury-texas
Editorial Note: Originally published in 2024, this heartening story challenges the typical narrative around divorce. Kris’s decision to continue caring for her ex-husband—even while remarrying and starting a new family—shows that compassion, commitment, and love can transcend legal endings.
Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law), C.S., Cert.F.Med., C.Arb., FDRP PC, is the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, a boutique matrimonial law firm in downtown Toronto. He is a Certified Specialist in Family Law, a Certified Specialist in Parenting Coordination and was admitted as a Fellow to the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. Steve is regularly retained as a Divorce Mediator/Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator. Steve uses his 30 years of in-depth knowledge of family law, court-room experience and expert problem-solving skills in Divorce Mediation/Arbitration to help spouses reach fair, fast and cooperative divorce settlements without the financial losses, emotional costs and lengthy delays from divorce court.
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