After accidental text, strangers reunite for third Thanksgiving
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA/CNN) – Three years ago, Wanda Dench sent a text that would start a tradition.
Dench had meant to text her grandson to invite him to Thanksgiving dinner at her home.
“Thanksgiving dinner is at my house on Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. Let me know if you’re coming. Hope to see you all. Of course, that includes Amanda & Justin,” she wrote.
Little did she know, she had mistakenly messaged 19-year-old Jamal Hinton, a complete stranger.
“Who is those [sic],” Hinton responded.
“Your grandma,” Dench replied.
After exchanging selfies, the two realized they were not related.
“You not my grandma. Can’t I still get plate tho?” Hinton asked.
“Of course you can. That’s what grandma’s do…feed everyone one,” Dench replied.
2016, 2017…… 2018 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0ZNA54uGAS— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) November 23, 2018
Last year, Dench told the Arizona Republic: “For him to continue with the relationship, I’m just really pleasantly surprised. We’re more of extended family and, best of all, friends.”
Dench welcomed the teenager into her home and they hit it off.
Fast forward three years, the tradition continues. Hilton went over to Denton’s for a third Thanksgiving on Thursday and shared a photo of the gathering on social media.