Bruce Willis’ wife has opened up about struggling with guilt over having resources others don’t while her legendary actor husband battles dementia – just a month after Moonlighting creator Glenn Gordon Caron made a heartbreaking Update had given that “he’s not completely verbal.”
Emma Heming, 45, spoke about her role as a support system for the 68-year-old retired actor and revealed that despite the difficult process, she has come to have a much more positive outlook on her husband’s life with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The British and American model penned a powerful op-ed for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper in which she candidly wrote: “I struggle with guilt because I know I have resources that others don’t.”
“If I can go on a hike to clear my head, it’s not lost on me that not all caregivers can do that.” If what I share about our family’s trip gets press attention, I know that There are many thousands of untold, unheard stories, each deserving of compassion and concern.”
Support system: Emma Heming, 45, opens up about struggling with guilt over having resources others don’t while her legendary actor husband Bruce Willis battles frontotemporal dementia (FTD); The couple is pictured in August 2010
Emma went on to explain that it is a double-edged sword because even though it weighs heavily on her conscience, she knows that being so open about the struggles can help others.
She continued: “At the same time, I see that what I share is meaningful to others who may be struggling and, in a sense, makes them feel seen and understood. “I want people to know that when I hear from another family affected by FTD, the same story of grief, loss and immense sadness that our family has reflected in theirs.
“It is important to me to be an advocate on behalf of families who do not have the time, energy or resources to advocate for themselves.”
She ended the piece on a very strong note as she revealed that the only thing that has kept her going through all the trials and tribulations is faith.
Emma wrote: “I have so much more hope today than I did when Bruce was first diagnosed.” I now understand this illness better and am now connected to an incredible community of support.
“I have hope that I have found a new purpose – admittedly one that I never sought – and to use the spotlight to help and empower others.” And I have hope that our entire family will find joy can find in the little things and come together to celebrate all the moments life has to offer.
“I know I still have so much to learn about FTD, this community and the development of disease research.” But I am finding my footing. As much as I grieve this experience every day – like so many others – I also know that it has made me stronger than I ever thought possible.”
This comes weeks after it was revealed that Bruce was losing his “joie de vivre” and “language skills” due to his dementia, according to a heartbreaking new update from a friend.
The British and American model penned a powerful commentary for Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper in which she candidly wrote: “I struggle with guilt because I know I have resources that others don’t.” The couple are pictured in December 2009
Last year, Bruce retired from show business because he was struggling with the brain disorder “aphasia,” which causes the patient’s language skills to deteriorate.
Then in March this year his family announced that his illness had “progressed” and he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Glenn Gordon Caron, who created Bruce’s star-studded 1980s sitcom Moonlighting, has now shared his experience visiting the film star during his illness.
“My sense is that he knows who I am in the first minute or three,” Glenn said in his devastating interview with Page Six. “He’s not entirely verbal; “He used to be a voracious reader – he didn’t want anyone to know – and now he doesn’t read anymore.”
Glenn, who also created the show Medium, revealed: “All those language skills are no longer available to him, and yet he’s still Bruce.”
He added: “When you’re with him you know he’s Bruce and you’re grateful he’s there, but the joy of life is gone.”
Bruce is currently cared for by his wife Emma Heming, with whom he shares his two younger daughters Mabel (11) and Evelyn (9).
He also has three adult daughters – Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 29 – with his ex-wife Demi Moore, who is known to have remained friendly with both him and Emma.
Details: According to a heartbreaking new update from a friend, Bruce is losing his “joie de vivre” and “language skills” as he suffers from dementia; pictured 2019
Review: The news came from the creator of Bruce’s star show Moonlighting, in which he stars alongside leading lady Cybill Shepherd
Since Bruce’s battle with aphasia began, Glenn has apparently tried to pay him monthly visits, which hasn’t always been successful.
“I’m not always that good,” the television writer admitted, “but I try and talk to him and his wife and have an easy relationship with his three older children.” I tried very hard to stay in his life. ‘
Glenn shared, “The thing that does.” [his disease] It’s so overwhelming if you’ve ever spent any time with Bruce Willis, there’s no one who feels more joy in life than him.”
Bruce “just enjoyed waking up every morning and trying to live life to the fullest,” but now he lives as if he was “seeing life through a screen door.”
Back in the spotlight: Moonlighting (pictured) just made its streaming debut on Hulu, and Glenn is doing the media rounds for the launch alongside Cybill Shepherd
Sizzling: The two played detectives who form a romantic relationship with each other, and their chemistry was often credited with the success of the series
Moonlighting just made its streaming debut on Hulu, and Glenn is making the media rounds for the release alongside the series’ lead, Cybill Shepherd.
Bruce, then an unknown actor, rose to fame in the 1980s comedy starring alongside Cybill, who had already had a career as a film star in the 1970s.
The two played detectives who become romantically involved, and their sizzling chemistry was often credited with the success of the series.
Although Bruce’s dementia has now progressed, Glenn managed to break the news to him that Moonlighting was bowing out to Hulu.
“I know he’s really happy that the show is being made available to people, even though he can’t tell me that,” Glenn said. “When I got to spend time with him, we talked about it and I know he’s excited.”