How one therapist turned cantaloupe into a symbol of joy and connection.
Thirteen years ago, Larry and his young daughter had a fun tradition. Whenever they said the same thing at the same time, they’d shout, “Jinx, you owe me a Coke!” But one day, his daughter surprised him with a twist: “Jinx, you owe me a cantaloupe!” Larry burst out laughing, and from then on, cantaloupe became their inside joke—a little symbol of joy and connection.
Today, Larry works as a therapist on the third floor of a busy mental health center. He spends his days helping others navigate life’s challenges, and he sees how stress can affect not just his clients but also his coworkers. That’s when he decided to bring a little “cantaloupe magic” to his workplace.
Larry became known as “The Fruit Culprit.”
It started small. One day, a cantaloupe appeared on a coworker’s desk as a thank-you for covering a shift. The next week, a pineapple showed up in the breakroom. Soon, lemons, apples, and bananas began popping up all over. No one knew where the fruit was coming from—until Larry’s grin gave him away.
“Everyone deserves a little surprise now and then,” Larry said. “And who doesn’t smile at a random pineapple?”
For Larry, the fruit wasn’t just a funny prank. It was a way to remind his coworkers to pause, take a breath, and find a little joy. Fruit was the perfect way to spread that happiness. It’s colorful, healthy, and in many cultures, giving fruit is a way to show you care. A simple orange or apple can say, “I’m thinking about you.”
Over time, Larry’s “fruit therapy” became a tradition on the third floor. Staff looked forward to the mystery fruit each week. A cantaloupe on Monday might be a boost for the week ahead. A lemon on Wednesday could get a laugh. A pineapple on Friday? A celebration for getting through the week!
But these fruits weren’t just snacks. They sparked conversations and brought coworkers together. They reminded everyone that even in stressful moments, there’s always room for kindness and connection.
Thirteen years after his daughter first joked, “Jinx, you owe me a cantaloupe,” Larry turned her playful words into a philosophy of kindness. His fruit gifts still brighten days and prove that even small gestures can make a big difference. What about you? What small, unexpected gesture could you make to brighten someone’s day? Whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful act, or even a piece of fruit, you have the power to spread joy in your life and community.