Change Your Brain Every Day Emma Heming Willis on Battling Grief, Caregiving & Finding Joy
11 snips
Sep 9, 2025 Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis and co-founder of Make Time Wellness, speaks candidly about her experience as a caregiver navigating her husband's frontotemporal dementia. She discusses the complexities of ambiguous loss and the unique grief that accompanies caregiving. Emma shares how she transformed her pain into purpose, found strength in community support, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. Through her advocacy and her book, 'The Unexpected Journey,' she provides hope for others facing similar challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Living With Ambiguous Loss
- Emma describes ambiguous loss: Bruce is physically here but mentally not present.
- She says grief has been ongoing but the fact he remains gives them time together.
Find Your Community Early
- Connect with disease-specific organizations and other families to avoid isolation.
- Emma says the AFTD and peer connections became a lifeline that helped her navigate caregiving.
Diagnosis As A Catalyst
- Emma recalls diagnosis day as the carpet pulled out from under her and feeling free-falling.
- That moment gave her no roadmap but later motivated advocacy and creating resources for others.
