Emma Heming, wife of actor Bruce Willis, shared an emotional message on their 17th wedding anniversary, reflecting on both the joy of their years together and the deep grief she feels as Bruce battles frontotemporal dementia.

In a heartfelt post, Emma included a throwback photo of the couple at the beach, reminiscing about their earlier years together. She candidly discussed how special occasions, once filled with excitement, now stir up complex feelings. “17 years of us anniversaries used to bring excitement,” she wrote. “Now, if I’m honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach.”

Emma explained how she gives herself time to process her emotions, including the anger and sadness she feels. Despite these challenges, she made it clear that she is committed to living her best life for herself, their two daughters, and Bruce, who she believes would want her to continue to embrace life fully.

Since Bruce’s diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia in 2022, Emma has been open about the struggles of caring for him. She explained that learning about his condition was both a “blessing and a curse,” as it gave her a sense of understanding, though it didn’t make the pain any easier to bear.

Emma also emphasized the importance of being transparent with their children—Mabel and Evelyn, as well as Bruce’s other daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore. She shared, “The most important thing was to be able for us to say what the disease was, explain what it is. I don’t want there to be any stigma or shame attached to their dad’s diagnosis.”

Though Bruce’s condition presents immense challenges, Emma continues to find gratitude in their lives. “What is is unconditional love,” she wrote, expressing how blessed she feels to know that love. “It’s because of him I do it all over again and again in a heartbeat.” Emma concluded by focusing on the positive moments, reminding herself to appreciate the beauty and joy still present in their lives. “Bruce would really want us to be in the joy of what is.”