Bruce Springsteen had a difficult relationship with his father, Douglas Springsteen, who never expressed his love to the singer.
Bruce’s wife, Patti Scialfa, and their kids helped him overcome the “destructive behavior” that resulted from his relationship with his dad.
Bruce and Patti’s only grandchild recently celebrated her first birthday.
Bruce Springsteen is a singer-songwriter who has been open about the difficult relationship he had with his father, Douglas Springsteen.
Bruce, 73, struggled to survive depression in his sixties partly due to identity issues brought on by his relationship with his father.
The singer spoke of his dad when he approached his seventies in celebration, thanks to his successful career. Bruce was also on a healing journey that involved making peace with the past.
Bruce noted that it’s been hard for him to find peace with his true self and identity due to his father, who almost destroyed him in several ways. The singer said he wanted his dad’s love so much, but he never got to experience it because Douglas didn’t love him.
Douglas hated that Bruce was kind and compassionate like his mother. He wanted Bruce to be as hard as him because he saw the singer’s qualities as weaknesses. “He was very dismissive of primarily who I was,” said Bruce.
Later on in life, Bruce came to learn that his father had paranoid schizophrenia, which helped the singer understand some of Douglas’ behavior. He understood why his father mostly brooded, was silent, and would sit alone in a dark kitchen; he was a lost man.
The 73-year-old, who finally understood his dad, also found purpose in his two sons, a daughter, and a wife. Bruce worked hard to let go of the anger and hurt he had for Douglas. These were aspects of himself that he called “the worst of my destructive behavior.”
Bruce had lived a life scared of having his own family because his dad once sent him a message that said a woman and a family weaken a man. Luckily, the singer overcame the fears brought by these words and promised himself not to lose his kids the way his dad lost him.
The singer’s inner peace also came from a memorable visit from his father. Douglas visited Bruce when he and his wife, Patti Scialfa, were a few days from welcoming their first child.
It was during that visit that Douglas admitted to Bruce that he was never a good father to him. Bruce described this moment as the greatest in his life because it released him from his dad’s sins and mistakes and gave him a chance to be his own person.
The father of three, who said his dad was his hero and his greatest foe, went on raise his kids with love and take care of his family, which he truly treasures.
How Did Bruce’s Wife and Kids Change Him?
Bruce’s wife of 32 years, Patti, saved the singer and changed him. She helped the singer move away from his dad’s words that family would weaken him.
Instead, Patti used her intelligence and love to show Bruce that their family was a sign of strength. The 69-year-old helped her husband understand they were formidable and could take on the world and enjoy much of it.
Bruce and Patti celebrated their only grandchild’s first birthday on July 11, 2023. Patti shared a cute picture of their granddaughter, Lily Harper Reph Springsteen, on her birthday.
Bruce, who was a nocturnal creature, also became a morning person for his kids. His wife told him if he kept on sleeping in, he would miss having beautiful mornings with his kids, a time when they needed him the most.
The singer began waking up early to make breakfast for his kids. He noted that feeding his children became an act of intimacy. Bruce went from being a broken son to a father of abundance. His kitchen went from one of darkness to one filled with brightness, lots of talking, joy, sounds of life, and laughter.
The singer is now a grateful and proud father to his kids. His two sons, Evan Springsteen, 32, and Sam Springsteen, 29, are sensitive and know how to show and receive love.
Bruce’s daughter, Jessica Springsteen, 31, has a roaring independence, is physically and mentally tough, and is very strong, thanks to her loving and caring parents. The singer revealed:
“The funny thing is . . . if you’re present from when they’re young and if you comport yourself even reasonably well, they pick up a lot of healthy habits.”
In January 2020, Bruce’s youngest son, Sam, was sworn in as a Jersey City firefighter. His dad and mom were there at the event and said they were proud of their courageous son. “He was very dedicated for quite a few years, and we’re just excited for him today,” Bruce noted.
Sam, who didn’t have much to say on this day, looked handsome in his uniform and received a huge hug and a big smile from his mom.
Bruce and Patti have raised successful and talented kids, and now they enjoy the gift and happiness of being called grandparents.
Bruce and Patti celebrated their only grandchild’s first birthday on July 11, 2023. Patti shared a cute picture of their granddaughter, Lily Harper Reph Springsteen, on her birthday.
Lily, who looked gorgeous in a pink dress, was all smiles and was seated in a baby-feeding chair with a stunning cake in front of her. The cake was decorated with roses and had a sign written on it. Patti captioned the photo, “one year old today.”
Bruce and Patti became grandparents for the first time when Lily was born on July 11, 2023. The couple’s youngest son, Sam, welcomed Lily with his partner.
When Lily was born, Patti shared the news on Instagram. Bruce also posted the first picture of the newborn in an adorable pink hat and matching gloves. The pair were excited to become grandparents.
Bruce and his wife have the cutest family, which they dedicated themselves to building. The singer’s career has also been successful over the years, but being a father took priority over everything else.