Emma Heming Willis Reveals She Had a ‘Good Cry’ on Her Anniversary with Bruce Willis: ‘Holidays Are Hard’

Emma Heming Willis admitted that it was difficult for her to celebrate the anniversary with Bruce Willis.

On Thursday, the 45-year-old posted a video on Instagram in which she shared that she had just had a “good cry” with one of her close friends, highlighting the importance of having someone you can confide in about your feelings.

“Holidays are hard. Anniversaries are hard. But for me, this year has really been about building community and connection. And I just want to say that was my lifeline and I just want to thank you for that.”

A day earlier, she and 68-year-old Bruce celebrated 16 years of marriage. Emma has been very open on social media about her struggles with Bruce’s deteriorating health after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in February, just under a year after his family shared that the Hollywood icon was initially diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022

In the caption of her emotional video, Emma said the community surrounding his diagnosis helped her “feel less alone”.

“Bruce calls it the ‘inner circle’. People are lucky to have someone in our lives that we can call, trust and rely on,” she wrote. “I’m lucky enough to have an inner circle of people who don’t offer a way to fix it, but can only listen. It helps tremendously.”

Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis says it’s ‘hard to know’ if he is aware of the FTD condition

“That inner circle is also here on this channel. Last year it was imperative for me to finally be able to build community and connection. And you showed up,” Emma continued. “People from all walks of life share the same unfortunate thread that connects us. I receive countless messages of love and support because Bruce is so loved. It falls on him, and I’m lucky enough to stand under it to catch those splashes that still feel like a waterfall of kindness.

“I wish I could answer all the messages because they are deep, raw and poetic, but know that I really appreciate them,” she added. “It also makes me feel less alone. I am grateful to you 💞”

Last month, Emma opened up about the guilt she’s been feeling since her husband was diagnosed with FTD.

In a self-penned article for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, the model shared how fortunate she is as a caregiver to have access to certain doctors and medical professionals that others may not have.

“I struggle with guilt, knowing I have resources that others don’t. When I can go hiking to clear my head, I don’t forget that not all care partners can,” Emma wrote at the time.

Emma Heming Willis Launches Brain Health Brand, ‘New Purpose’ Amid Bruce Willis’ Dementia Battle (Exclusive)

Bruce Willis and wife Emma Heming Willis.

Theo Wargo/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“When what I share about our family’s journey gets media attention, I know there are many thousands of untold, unheard stories out there, and every one of them deserves compassion and care,” she continued. “At the same time, I see that what I’m sharing is important to others who may be struggling, and in some small way it makes them feel seen and understood.”

She added: “I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, I hear our family’s same story of grief, loss and overwhelming grief echoing in theirs. It’s important to me to be an advocate on behalf of those families who don’t have the time, of energy or resources to advocate for themselves.”

In the article, Emma also explained how one of the lessons she’s learned on this ongoing journey is the importance of community. At first, she struggled with how to go public with Bruce’s diagnosis, she said. However, after sharing the news, she said she felt relieved.

“Suddenly I was no longer alone and could seek the support that Bruce, I and our family so desperately needed,” Emma wrote.

“With a certain diagnosis, you have the opportunity to find community,” she continued later. “You can immediately connect with people who understand your story. You don’t even have to explain yourself. The people I’ve met and interviewed in the FTD community have so much compassion and are so determined to make things better for the next family.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education