Kris Armstrong and Brandon Smith took their marriage vows seriously. But after Brandon suffered a major brain injury, Kris made a decision that led to their unique blended family. Texans Kris and Brandon were high school sweethearts, but just a few years into their marriage, in 2008, Kris received a call to say that Brandon had been in a serious car crash and was in a coma. When he finally woke up, months later, it was clear he’d changed irrevocably. After experiencing a severe traumatic brain injury Brandon now needed 24-hour care, and Kris felt their relationship became one of patient and caregiver more than husband and wife. Kris wanted to look after Brandon but realised that the family they’d planned was now impossible, so she divorced him and applied to be his legal guardian instead. In 2014 she met James, then a single father, and the first thing she told him about was Brandon. Now, more than a decade later, they are a blended family, and Kris and James' young children love spending time with their "Uncle Brandon".Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Emily NaylorLives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. Got a story to tell? Send an email to [email protected] or message us via WhatsApp: 0044 330 678 2784 You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5YD3hBqmw26B8WMHt6GkQxG/lives-less-ordinary-privacy-notice

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