Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis shares how she copes with her grief as he battles aphasia

Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis says she copes with grief by discovering new hobbies, doing things out of her comfort zone, and staying active following her husband’s diagnosis with aphasia. 

The model, 44, posted a clip to her Instagram on National Grief Awareness Day discussing her ‘paralyzing’ grief and words of wisdom she received from step-daughter Scout Willis, 31, about how grief ‘is the deepest and purest form of love.’ 

The Pulp Fiction star’s health battle – which has affected his ability to speak and understand speech – was shared by his family on social media five months ago.  

‘This was the summer of self discovery—finding new hobbies, going out of my comfort zone and staying active,’ Emma wrote in her post.

‘My grief can be paralyzing but I’m learning how to live alongside it,’ Emma – who has been married to Bruce, 67, since 2009 – added.

She then shared a piece of wisdom from Bruce’s daughter Scout, writing: ‘As my step-daughter @scoutlaruewillis told me, grief is the deepest and purest form of love. I hope you find some comfort in that too.’ 

She also added three hashtags ‘#nationalgriefawarenessday #griefawareness #liveitup.’ 

The video montage showed Emma being active as she completed various tasks, including painting a table and a fence, gardening and operating an electric saw. 

She also stayed active by playing tennis and doing a guided boxing routine. 

At another point in the video she was seen spending time with one of her and Bruce’s daughters. The couple share Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, eight.

In addition to his two younger daughters, the actor is also father to daughters Rumer, 33, Scout, 31, and Tallulah, 28, whom he shares with his ex-wife Demi Moore, 59.

Emma admitted that she’s been struggling with her mental health in May, during an interview with The Bump.

The beauty shared: ‘I put my family’s needs above my own, which I found does not make me any kind of hero,’ adding, ‘That amount of care for everyone else within my household had taken a toll on my mental health and overall health, and it served no one in my family.’

Emma, alongside Moore and their kids issued a joint statement via Instagram March 30 announcing Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis.

They said that the Hollywood icon ‘has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.’

The revelation also included the actor’s decision to step away from acting. 

‘As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.’

They continued: ‘We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.’

The Mayo Clinic defines aphasia as ‘a condition that affects your ability to communicate’ that ‘can affect your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language.’

The actor’s family did not announce what caused his bout with aphasia, which has a number of potential causes.

The condition could occur following a head injury or stroke, or can be a predecessor to a brain tumor or Alzheimer’s disease.

Patients who are living with the condition are typically treated with speech therapy and taught ways to communicate non-verbally.