A grandmother’s accidental text message inviting a stranger to Thanksgiving dinner has led to a remarkable friendship, captivating audiences for nearly a decade. In 2016, Jamal Hinton, then a high school senior, received a group text intended for someone else. The message was from Wanda Dench, who mistakenly reached out to him, believing she was texting a family member.
Initially, Hinton thought the message was from his own grandmother. However, he quickly realized that something was amiss. “Ninety percent of me already knew it wasn’t my grandmother,” he explained. To clarify, he requested a selfie from the sender, which confirmed his suspicions—Wanda Dench was not his grandma. His humorous response, “You not my grandma. Can I still get a plate though?” along with his own photo, set the tone for a heartwarming exchange that soon went viral.
From Text to Thanksgiving Tradition
Wanda’s reply was equally warm, stating, “Of course you can. That’s what grandma’s do…feed everyone.” This initial connection led to a meeting arranged by Wanda’s grandson, which Hinton described as nerve-wracking. “I was 17 at the time,” he recounted on the Today Show, “and it was scary because it was about a 45-minute drive away from my house. I didn’t know Wanda, obviously, or her family.” Ultimately, the support from the media encouraged him to make the trip.
Their first Thanksgiving together exceeded all expectations. Over the years, Hinton and Dench have continued this tradition, celebrating their tenth Thanksgiving together in 2023. Their bond has grown through significant life events, including Hinton’s transition into adulthood, Dench’s loss of her husband, and her own battle with breast cancer.
A Heartwarming Legacy
Each year, their reunion has drawn attention, with fans eagerly anticipating the pair’s Thanksgiving meals. They alternate hosting duties, demonstrating that their friendship transcends generational divides. “There was no generation gap at all… like we were just like pals forever,” Dench, now 68, noted during a recent interview. “That grew into family and love, and I feel so blessed.”
Reflecting on how a simple mistake led to such joy, Hinton shared, “It’s just amazing to sit back and think that one mistaken text led to so many people’s happiness and joy.” Their story serves as a reminder of the unexpected connections that can arise from even the most ordinary moments.
