Joaquim Meireles, 72, has been producing organic vegetables, fruit and herbs for around 20 years. He loves his small farm, and on that cold December afternoon, he was already indoors when his three grandchildren arrived: two boys and a girl, aged 5, 7, and 9.
He wore a thick wool jumper and carefully tested a string of lights that he intended to place on the natural potted pine tree he had just brought into the house, which had been with the family for several Christmases. Around Joaquim were piles of boxes of festive decorations, including ribbons and handmade ornaments that he and his wife had created over the years.
The house welcomed his favourite ritual, preparing the interior Christmas decorations. As his grandchildren arrived, Joaquim smiled, proud to keep alive a tradition that spanned generations, decorating the house as a family.
However, in recent years, Joaquim had experienced these moments he loved so much with a shadow over them. The gaps in his teeth, his unstable dentures, and the discomfort he felt when eating and speaking had made him quieter, more reserved, and more distant. His smile, which had always been easy and genuine, had hidden behind a tightening of his lips. Even the family gathering on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with all the sparkle and joy of the season that he loved so much, aroused a bittersweet feeling in him: he wanted to laugh with his grandchildren, pose for photos, hum songs, but embarrassment prevented him.
But this year, everything changed when he decided to visit Algarve Dental Implants, encouraged by his daughter. Dr Cris Piessens, clinical director, explained the All-on-4 method to him clearly and empathetically, reassuring him that it is never too late to change. Joaquim felt that someone finally understood not only his dental problem, but also his desire to live life to the full again. And he decided to go ahead.
The recovery was easier than he had imagined. On the day of the surgery, he already had fixed teeth, and he saw a reflection in the mirror that he almost did not recognise: a lighter, more confident man, more himself. In the following months, he got used to smiling again, first slowly, then with less and less fear. When December arrived, with it came the certainty that this would be a different Christmas.
On the farm, the atmosphere was filled with happiness and the smell of Christmas, with the aroma of cloves and oranges in the air as grandfather and grandchildren hung decorations on the pine tree together.
– Grandpa, can you put the star on top of the tree? – said little Tomás, the youngest, holding his hand.
Joaquim laughed, a full, clear laugh. The children stopped for a second, surprised by the naturalness of that laugh, much more than a smile.
– Grandpa, you’re so happy!” – commented the eldest granddaughter, with the spontaneity that only children have.
– I’m just getting back to being myself. – replied Joaquim, proudly.
When the time came to take the traditional family photograph on Christmas Eve, Joaquim stood confidently at the centre for the first time in many years. His grandchildren embraced him, and his smile lit up the family gathering.
Later, with his grandchildren asleep and his heart full of Christmas joy, he quietly murmured to himself, as if acknowledging a lifelong truth:
It’s never too late to change.
