Grandmother Who Went Viral After Inviting The Wrong Teenager To Thanksgiving Celebrates Fifth Holiday With Him

What started as a funny mix-up has turned into a friendship that’s touched hearts everywhere. Back in 2016, Wanda Dench accidentally sent a Thanksgiving invite to Jamal Hinton, thinking she was texting her grandson. Instead of ignoring it, Jamal responded with humor, and the two have been celebrating Thanksgiving together ever since.

Their bond has only gotten stronger over the years, even through some tough times—like the heartbreaking loss of Wanda’s husband, Lonnie, to COVID-19. But despite the challenges, they’ve kept the tradition alive, reminding everyone that family can sometimes come from the most unexpected places.

A Thanksgiving Tradition Born from a Mistake

It’s funny how one wrong text can lead to something so unexpected. In 2016, Wanda Dench meant to invite her grandson to Thanksgiving dinner but accidentally sent the message to Jamal Hinton, a high school senior she’d never met. Confused, Jamal asked who it was, and Wanda simply replied, “Your grandma,” along with a photo of herself.

Jamal quickly realized she wasn’t his grandma, but instead of letting the mix-up end there, he jokingly asked if he could still come over for a plate. Wanda, with her warm heart, replied, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do—feed everyone!” And just like that, Jamal decided to take her up on her offer.

What started as a funny text exchange turned into something so much bigger. That first Thanksgiving was just the beginning of what would become a yearly tradition. Jamal and Wanda, two people who were strangers just moments before, have been celebrating Thanksgiving together ever since. Their story spread like wildfire after Jamal shared it online, and it didn’t take long for people everywhere to fall in love with the kindness and connection they shared.

Building a Friendship Over the Years

Over the years, what started as a random, mistaken text has turned into something truly special. Wanda and Jamal didn’t just share that one Thanksgiving meal and part ways. Instead, they’ve made it a tradition to gather every single year, sharing food, laughter, and memories. What makes their story so unique is the genuine friendship that’s developed between them.

They’ve stayed close, not just around the holiday season, but throughout the year. Jamal has become like family to Wanda, and their connection shows that sometimes the most meaningful relationships come from the most unexpected places. Every year, people eagerly wait to see their Thanksgiving updates on social media, where Jamal shares photos of their reunion and the bond they’ve built. It’s more than just a story about Thanksgiving—it’s a story about kindness, openness, and how two people from different worlds can come together and become family.

Their friendship has inspired so many, showing that a simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect. It’s proof that you don’t need to be related by blood to form deep, meaningful relationships. Over time, Jamal and Wanda’s connection has become a beautiful example of how powerful human connection can be when we open ourselves up to it.

A Special Thanksgiving Amid Tragedy

Back in 2020, Thanksgiving wasn’t the same for Wanda and Jamal. The pandemic had already changed so much, but the biggest loss was Wanda’s husband, Lonnie, who passed away from COVID-19 earlier that year. Even though it was hard, Wanda and Jamal were determined to keep their tradition going.

Wanda admitted that celebrating without Lonnie, who always led the family in grace, was tough. But despite the sadness, the gathering brought comfort. They lit a candle and placed Lonnie’s photo at the table to keep his memory alive, making sure he was still part of their holiday in a special way.

Honoring Lonnie Dench’s Memory

When Lonnie passed away in 2020, it left a huge gap in their Thanksgiving celebrations. He wasn’t just Wanda’s husband; he was a big part of what made those gatherings so special. Lonnie always welcomed Jamal with open arms, treating him like family from day one. His absence was deeply felt, but they wanted to make sure he was still a part of their celebration.

At the head of the table, where Lonnie used to sit, they placed a framed photo of him with a candle lit beside it. It was their quiet way of keeping him close, even though he wasn’t physically there. As they shared a meal, they also shared stories about Lonnie—how kind he was, the way he made everyone feel at home, and the little things he did that meant so much.

For Jamal, Lonnie had become someone important too. He took time during the meal to reflect on how Lonnie had welcomed him into the family so easily. Even though he’s no longer there, Lonnie’s memory is still very much alive in the love and warmth that fills the room each year.

Friendship Beyond Thanksgiving

What’s even more heartwarming about Wanda and Jamal’s story is that their friendship goes way beyond Thanksgiving. Over the years, they’ve become like family, sharing more than just a holiday meal. From dinner dates at their favorite spots to casual barbecues, the two make it a point to stay connected throughout the year.

Their bond shows that sometimes, family isn’t just about who you’re related to, but who you choose to spend your time with. Wanda once said, “Family is more than blood,” and her friendship with Jamal is living proof of that. They’ve continued to grow closer, making memories that last well beyond November.

A Thanksgiving Like No Other

What began as a simple text mix-up has turned into a story that warms hearts year after year. Wanda and Jamal’s Thanksgiving tradition is a perfect example of how unexpected moments can bring people together in the best way. Even through tough times like losing Lonnie and navigating the pandemic, their bond has only grown stronger.

Their friendship reminds us that family can be about the people you choose to keep close, not just the ones you’re related to. As they continue their yearly tradition, Wanda and Jamal show that kindness, a little humor, and an open heart can turn even the most unlikely encounters into something truly special.