Last night, I had the privilege of meeting and listening to Emma Heming Willis share her personal caregiving journey as she tours the country with her bestselling book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path. Her honesty, compassion, and vulnerability left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
As Emma spoke about the reality of becoming a care partner for her husband, Bruce Willis, who is living with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a group of rare, progressive neurodegenerative diseases that damage the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. It’s the most common form of dementia in people under 60. One message stood out clearly: caregivers matter too.
In her book, she shares not only her family’s experience, but also practical reminders and gentle encouragement for those who spend so much of their time caring for others. Her words acknowledge something many caregivers quietly carry… exhaustion, stress, uncertainty, and the feeling of losing yourself while trying to support someone you love.
What I appreciated most was her focus on “taking care of the caregiver.” Emma’s firsthand experience reminded us that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It’s asking for help, taking moments to rest, connecting with supportive people, or simply allowing yourself grace on difficult days, her message is one of compassion and resilience.
As I listened to Emma speak, I could see and feel so many caregivers in the audience react, feel understood, and validated. Her story created a sense of connection and comfort for all the people who often carry so much quietly and privately.
Caregiving isn’t an easy path, but Emma’s story offers hope. It reminds us that strength is often found in small daily acts of love, patience, and perseverance. We can and should rely on our friends and family to help us cope and it’s never too late to say YES when someone offers help. Get your list ready… and LET THEM.
“Chin Up, Chest Out, Shoulders Back, Stay Here, Let Them…”
For anyone walking the caregiving journey, The Unexpected Journey is more than a book; it’s a reminder that we are not alone.
Shabbat Shalom
Resources for caregivers and families:
The Dorothy & Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program