You may have heard the story of Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton’s accidental text years ago, but the story is still unfolding.
In 2016, high school senior Jamal received a group text meant for someone else—his new number had belonged to Dench’s grandson. The text invited him to Thanksgiving. Curious, Jamal replied with a selfie and a joking request for a plate. Dench, unsure at first, decided to respond warmly: “Of course. That’s what grandmas do. They feed everyone.”
The exch
ange went viral, and a few days later, Jamal drove to Dench’s house for his first Thanksgiving with her. Despite initial nerves, the visit went perfectly, and a bond quickly formed. Over the years, this accidental meeting grew into a lasting friendship, with Jamal celebrating Thanksgiving with Dench and her family for ten consecutive years—even through the pandemic, personal losses, and Dench’s breast cancer treatment.
They now alternate hosting and have even partnered with Green Giant to provide a full holiday spread, celebrating both the brand’s 100th anniversary and their own tradition. Their story has inspired others to connect over meals and cherish time with loved ones.
Dench emphasizes that Thanksgiving is about family, conversation, and togetherness, while Jamal reflects on how a single mistaken text sparked years of shared joy, meals, and meaningful friendship.