In 2016, a Grandmother named Wanda Dench mistakenly texted a stranger about Thanksgiving plans. That led to a new Thanksgiving tradition that has lasted for eight years so far.
Dench had originally meant to text her grandchild to invite them over for Thanksgiving dinner, but she sent the message to a man named Jamal Hinton— who had recently changed his phone number.
According to CBS News, Hinton texted her back and asked who she was.
Dench replied, “Your grandma.”
He didn’t understand how his grandma got his number and asked her to send a picture. She sent a picture to him and he knew there was a mix-up, him being a black man and she being a white woman.
He texted back. “You not my grandma,” but then jokingly asked, “Can I still get a plate though?”
Instead of declining, Dench responded, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do…feed everyone.”
Hinton shared Thanksgiving with Dench and her family. The group had such a good time that they invited him back the next year and the year after that.
For eight years now, the Dench family has given thanks with their friend Jamal Hilton.
This has continued despite her husband’s death during the pandemic in 2020.
This year Hinton is bringing his girlfriend to dinner, and he doesn’t just see Dench during the holidays. They have dinner throughout the year and have launched their own business together.
In addition, the odd couple has decided to host a few more strangers at the table to promote creating new connections through friendship.
They posted to Instagram stating, “To celebrate our eighth Thanksgiving together (yes, eight!), we’re partnering with @airbnb this year to host a couple extra seats at our table.”
“Booking for our favorite holiday tradition opens November 14 at 11am MST at the link in our bios. Join us!” they added.