Bruce Willis’s Wife, Emma, Gets Emotional Over Hardship on His Birthday

Bruce Willis turns 68 today — and his wife, Emma Heming, is opening up about the milestone with brutal honesty … and a lot of emotion.

Emma took to Instagram to share her thoughts on her husband’s birthday, which she says started out with her crying this morning. The reason … Emma is obviously dealing with Bruce’s recent dementia diagnosis — and she says it takes a toll on her and their family.

She goes on to say that people are always commending her for being so strong in the face of adversity … but, as she notes, she doesn’t have a choice in the matter — and simply does what she has to do to keep her household and life in order.

Despite having to put on a brave face, Emma says she experiences times of grief and sadness — especially with having two young children that she and Bruce are raising — and as she tearfully explains … it’s difficult.

BTW, Emma says these videos she makes — giving updates on Bruce’s condition and how it’s affecting their home life, etc. — are gut-wrenching to her … but she does them anyway because she knows how many fans BW has … who are interested in his well-being/journey.

She says the outpouring of love and support she and Bruce have received means the world to her … and Emma clearly takes it all to heart. We also know Emma is deeply protective of Bruce these days — she recently told paps (publicly) to back off and to leave him be.