A simple texting error in 2016 connected two unlikely friends, Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench, leading to a heartwarming Thanksgiving tradition that has captured the attention of many across the United States. What began with a message meant for Dench’s grandchild turned into an annual celebration that continues to inspire people with its message of connection and community.
The story unfolded when Dench sent a Thanksgiving invitation to a number she believed belonged to her grandchild but had been reassigned to Hinton, then a 17-year-old high school senior. After receiving the text, Hinton asked for a photo to confirm Dench’s identity. When she sent him a selfie, he quickly realized she was not his grandmother. Undeterred, he playfully asked if he could still join for dinner. Dench, embracing the unexpected situation, welcomed him to her family table.
Their initial meeting attracted significant media attention. Hinton recalls arriving at Dench’s home that first Thanksgiving, where reporters and camera crews awaited their story. “We couldn’t eat without someone asking us a question. It was crazy, but it was still amazing,” he said. Dench’s late husband, Lonnie, showed a genuine interest in getting to know Hinton, asking him questions about his life while Dench prepared her famous homemade dishes.
Over the years, the pair has celebrated Thanksgiving together every year, with the exception of 2020, when Dench was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. During that challenging time, Hinton arranged a virtual gathering to maintain their tradition. The duo’s resilience in the face of adversity has resonated with many, turning their friendship into a symbol of positivity and hope.
Traditions and New Beginnings
As their bond deepened, Dench and Hinton established both old and new traditions. Each year, they take turns sharing what they are thankful for, with Dench consistently expressing gratitude for her family, which now includes Hinton. They have adapted their celebrations over time, incorporating fun activities like late-night board games into their Thanksgiving festivities.
Dench reflected on the lasting impact of her husband’s words shortly before he passed away from complications related to COVID-19 in 2020. He had told her that their friendship could serve as a source of healing for a divided nation. “I didn’t quite understand what he was saying at the time, but I took it to heart,” she shared.
In 2021, their Thanksgiving gathering was intimate but meaningful. Dench and Hinton honored Lonnie by placing an empty plate on the table, symbolizing his presence in spirit. “It helped to be around family, with good food and good support,” Dench said, noting that their annual celebration has grown more comfortable with each passing year.
This Thanksgiving, Hinton will host the festivities at his aunt’s home in Phoenix, where Dench will meet his family for the first time. She expressed her excitement about thanking them for raising such a wonderful person. “Growing up, my favorite moments were on Thanksgiving,” Hinton said, reminiscing about the joy of gathering with family.
A Growing Legacy
As their relationship has evolved, so too have their opportunities for collaboration. Dench recently decided to get her first tattoo and sought Hinton’s recommendation for a studio. Instead, he accompanied her to the appointment, where she chose designs representing her late husband, mother, and father. “It was really exciting. That was fun,” she remarked.
Now 26, Hinton has transformed from a self-proclaimed know-it-all teenager into a business owner and youth basketball coach. “I never envisioned myself being the coach,” he noted, reflecting on how far he has come since his initial meeting with Dench.
This year, their Thanksgiving celebration has attracted sponsorship from Green Giant, a brand known for its canned and frozen vegetables. Dench humorously pointed out that Hinton has successfully avoided cooking once again. “I think it’s a challenge of mine now to somehow not cook every year,” he joked.
Both Dench and Hinton are surprised by the public’s continued fascination with their story, which has even led to a Netflix film in development. “The only thing I can imagine is, our friendship is genuine. It’s not fake,” Dench said. “If all the media went away, and all the hoopla went away, we would still meet together for Thanksgiving every year.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, the enduring friendship between Dench and Hinton serves as a reminder of the power of connection, kindness, and the spirit of community. Their story highlights how a simple mistake can lead to profound relationships that withstand the test of time.
