Accidental Thanksgiving Text Sparks a Decade-Long Friendship

A grandmother’s accidental text inviting a stranger to Thanksgiving dinner has blossomed into a decade-long friendship, delighting many online. In 2016, Jamal Hinton, then a high school senior, received a group message that he initially believed was from his own grandma. The invitation turned out to be from Wanda Dench, who, unlike Jamal’s grandmother, was not familiar with texting.

Curiosity piqued, Jamal asked Wanda to send a selfie to confirm her identity. When he received a picture of Wanda, he responded with humor, saying, “You not my grandma. Can I still get a plate though?” Wanda’s warm reply—“Of course you can. That’s what grandma’s do…feed everyone”—set the stage for a unique connection that would soon capture the hearts of many.

The exchange quickly went viral on social media, leading to an arrangement for Jamal to join Wanda and her family for Thanksgiving dinner. Reflecting on that first meeting, Jamal recounted his nerves. “I was 17 at the time, 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,” he shared during an interview on the Today Show. He found the courage to meet her, knowing that media coverage would be present, ensuring a public spotlight on the occasion.

Since that initial gathering, the two have maintained an annual tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving together. Now marking their 10th Thanksgiving, their bond has grown significantly over the years. Jamal has transitioned into adulthood, while Wanda, now 68, has faced personal challenges including the loss of her husband and a battle with breast cancer.

The friendship has become a symbol of joy and community, as each year, fans eagerly await updates on their reunion. “There was no generation gap at all… like we were just like pals forever,” Wanda stated in her recent interview. The sentiment of family and love has flourished between them, with Jamal expressing amazement at how a simple, mistaken text could lead to such happiness for many.

Their story not only highlights the power of human connection but also serves as a reminder of the unexpected joys that can arise from everyday situations. As they continue to alternate hosting duties for their Thanksgiving meals, both Jamal and Wanda reflect on the profound impact of their accidental encounter.