Jamie McCarthy/Getty Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis
Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis is feeling a range of emotions on the actor’s first birthday since he announced his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
The Die Hard icon turned 68 on Sunday, and his wife shared on her Instagram stories how that affected her.
“Today is my husband’s birthday. I started the morning crying as you can see from my swollen eyes and snotty nose,” she began. “I just think it’s important that you see all sides of it.”
“I always get this message or people always say to me, ‘Oh, you’re so strong. I don’t know how you do it.’ I have no choice,” explained Emma, 44. “I wish I was, but I’m also raising two kids with it.”
“Sometimes in our lives we have to put on our big girl panties and get there. And I do,” she continued. “But I have times of sadness every day, grief every day, and I really feel it today on his birthday.”
Getty
“I’ve been working on it [forthcoming] Roll I’m posting for my husband’s birthday. I don’t know why I’m doing this to myself because the videos are like a knife in my heart,” Emma shared.
“But as much as I’m doing it for myself, I’m doing it for you because I know how much you love my husband,” she told fans, before pausing to remind herself, “Don’t cry Emma .”
She capped the video by saying, “But it means so much to me, so thank you.”
The birthday comes weeks after Hemming Willis took to Instagram to ask paparazzi to “keep their distance” from her husband when he goes out with friends or family, explaining it’s already “stressful”. to get out and navigate them safely .
RELATED: Emma Heming Willis speaks up for husband Bruce Willis after dementia diagnosis: ‘I didn’t come here to play’
She added that there still needs to be a lot of “education” about how to treat people with dementia.
“I know this is your job, but maybe just take your space,” she said in the video. “Please don’t yell at my husband or ask how he’s doing that day to get him safely from point A to point B. This is my PPE.”
Bruce’s milestone event isn’t the only happy occasion in the family — his eldest daughter, Rumer Willis, celebrated her baby shower on March 11 surrounded by family and friends.
Don’t miss a story – subscribe The free daily newsletter from PEOPLE to keep up to date with the best that PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Michael Simon/Shutterstock Scout LaRue Willis, Emma Heming, Rumer Willis, Demi Moore, Tallulah Belle Willis, Evelyn Willis, Mabel Willis
RELATED: Pregnant Rumer Willis Celebrates Baby Shower With Mom Demi Moore And Family – Check Out The Photos!
The pregnant one house rabbit Actress and boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas appeared together at the intimate event, posing for photos alongside the entire Willis clan, including all four of Rumer’s sisters, his ex-wife Demi Moore and Emma. Bruce was not featured in photos shared from the event.
Bruce shares Rumer, 34, Scout Willis, 31, and Tallulah Willis, 29, with Moore. He shares Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, 8, with Emma.
When the family revealed the actor’s FTD diagnosis last month, they said in a group statement: “Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows do the same. It means the world reflects that sense of caring back to him and to all of us. We were so moved by the love you all shared for our dear husband, father and friend during this difficult time.
“Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live the fullest life possible,” they concluded.
