For the first time since her husband’s diagnosis, Emma Heming Willis is opening up about the extreme difficulties that come along with being a caretaker.
The 45-year-old wife to Bruce Willis admitted she was “not good” despite sharing photos of what looks like a happy life on social media.
“I know it looks like I’m out living my best life, [but] I have to make a conscious effort every single day to live the best life that I can. I do that for myself, I do that for our two children and [I do that for] Bruce, who would not want me to live any other way,” she said in an emotional video posted on Instagram.
“So I don’t want it to be misconstrued that I’m good, ’cause I’m not. I’m not good.”
The mother of two explained how putting her “best foot forward” is something that “does not come to [her] easily,” but is something she feels is necessary for the sake of her family.
“When we are not looking after ourselves, we cannot look after anyone that we love,” she explained in her PSA to caretakers.
Earlier this year the Willis family announced Bruce had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a progressive neurological disorder. The news came months after the Die Hard actor announced he would be stepping away from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.
Unless you are a caretaker, it’s hard to imagine the emotional, mental, and physical strength you need every single day. Not just for the person you care for, but also for yourself.