Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Grandma And A Stranger Who She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Share Their 6th Celebration Together
User submission
81.9K
177.1K

Grandma And A Stranger Who She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Share Their 6th Celebration Together

Grandma Celebrates 6th Thanksgiving Together With The Guy She Accidentally Texted 6 Years Ago“Today Marks Our 6th Thanksgiving Together”: After Accidental Text 6 Years Ago, “Thanksgiving Grandma” And This Guy Reunite Once AgainGrandma And A Stranger Who She Accidentally Invited To Thanksgiving Share Their 6th Celebration TogetherGrandma Who Accidentally Texted A Random Guy And Invited Him To Thanksgiving Keep Their Tradition Alive For The 6th TimeGrandma And Stranger Share Thanksgiving Together Once Again After Accidental Text Sent 6 Years Ago“Thanksgiving Grandma” Who Texted A Random Guy Instead Of Grandson Spends 6th Thanksgiving With Him And His GirlfriendThe Internet's Beloved Grandma And Accidental Stranger Grandson Come Together For Their 6th ThanksgivingAfter Accidental Text 6 Years Ago, “Thanksgiving Grandma” And This Guy Reunite Once AgainAccidental Text Exchange 6 Years Ago Led To These 'Strangers' Sharing Yet Another Thanksgiving TogetherGrandmother Accidentally Texts A Random Guy Instead Of Her Grandchild To Come To Thanksgiving Dinner And Now They Are Celebrating Together For The 6th Time
ADVERTISEMENT

We all have a different take on what family holidays mean to us. Some could agree that preparing for big family holidays can take a lot of time and could even cause some stress. For others, it is the most awaited time that allows us to see our loved ones, catch up with them, and finally have some quality time at home with good food. Being a caring grandmother, a woman named Wanda Dench wrote a message to her grandson Justin inviting him to their family’s Thanksgiving dinner back in 2016.

Instead of getting a reply back from him, Wanda found out that she had accidentally sent the message to another person. That person was 17-year-old Jamal Hinton. You might think that after realizing this mistake, the conversation ended right there as it usually happens, but this story turned out to mark the beginning of a very beautiful friendship. This year marks the 6th Thanksgiving that Wanda and her family have spent with Jamal and his girlfriend.

More Info: Twitter

RELATED:

    In 2016, Wanda Dench texted her grandson to invite him to Thanksgiving dinner without realizing that it wasn’t her grandson’s number

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    After both Wanda and Jamal realized that there had been some miscommunication, the guy was still invited to “get a plate”

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    After texting with Wanda, the guy shared this conversation on Twitter, showing that he promised to come by at Dench’s house at Thanksgiving. Later Jamal posted a picture on Twitter where he could be seen with Wanda after he was welcomed by “grandma” and her husband Lonnie at their house. People loved that the two actually met and it seemed that Jamal himself had a great time with the “grandparents”.

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    Thanksgiving wasn’t the only time when the couples spent time together

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Soon after, Jamal, along with his girlfriend Mikaela, started spending some more time with Wanda and Lonnie, becoming really close friends. It soon became a tradition of theirs spending Thanksgiving and other holidays together. Through the years, they became really close, proving that even total strangers who might seem very different can become friends.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    Image credits: jamalhinton12

    Image credits: jamalhinton12

    Image credits: jamalhinton12

    During the pandemic, Wanda and Lonnie got sick with Covd-19, however, only the woman recovered from it

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    However, Thanksgiving in 2020 was quite different for the family. In March of the same year, both Wanda and Lonnie got sick with Covid-19. While Wanda was able to recover from the virus, her husband sadly passed away. Knowing how hard this was to Wanda, a lot of people online who knew the story of Dench and Hinton’s friendship started sharing their condolences and sending support to Wanda. Jamal also made sure that this all would reach his “grandma” by sending her a care package with all of their messages in video format. You can read about their 5th Thanksgiving together and 1st without Lonnie here.

    2020 was the year when the family had to celebrate Thanksgiving without Lonnie

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    They spent the evening remembering Lonnie and the time they got to share with him

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    This year Jamal and Wanda kept their tradition alive for the 6th time

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    Image credits: wandadench

    Image credits: Jamalhinton12

    177Kviews

    Share on Facebook
    Konstancija Gasaitytė

    Konstancija Gasaitytė

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Konstancija is a Content Creator at Bored Panda. She has a bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting and a master’s degree in Future Media and Journalism. She is very interested in sustainable fashion and is a perfect companion to go to second-hand shops and antiques for nearly anything: clothes, books or furniture. Her interests also include photography, literature and hiking.

    Read less »
    Konstancija Gasaitytė

    Konstancija Gasaitytė

    Author, Community member

    Konstancija is a Content Creator at Bored Panda. She has a bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpreting and a master’s degree in Future Media and Journalism. She is very interested in sustainable fashion and is a perfect companion to go to second-hand shops and antiques for nearly anything: clothes, books or furniture. Her interests also include photography, literature and hiking.

    Saulė Tolstych

    Saulė Tolstych

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Saulė is a photo editor at Bored Panda with bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design. The thing that relaxes her the best is going into YouTube rabbit hole. In her free time she loves painting, embroidering and taking walks in nature.

    Read less »

    Saulė Tolstych

    Saulė Tolstych

    Author, Community member

    Saulė is a photo editor at Bored Panda with bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design. The thing that relaxes her the best is going into YouTube rabbit hole. In her free time she loves painting, embroidering and taking walks in nature.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jayne Kyra
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember the first time years ago they went viral with such display of kindness. I am glad they are still doing it and hope they never stop. Lonnie would be happy.

    lara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how we should see one another: people. Not colors. not culture, not religion, but just people. Everyone should be doing this. We always invite people who work for my husband and they ARE friends, because they might be alone on Christmas or Thanksgiving or whenever, or they just want to join us.

    Bobert Robertson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The painting of Lonnie as an angel... awesome. Also, that Vancouver Grizzlies jersey 🔥🔥🔥

    Tonya Wallace
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought the same thing about the jersey. (I'm from the Memphis area.) The painting is too bittersweet to handle.

    Load More Replies...
    Fat Harry
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story. This is everything that's good about humanity.

    Yvette Desmarais
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so lovely they have become close friends and been there for Wanda in her loss.

    GenericPanda09
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh man... remember seeing the 1st story of this years ago. This update got me right in the gut.. so sad and yet very wholesome. True role models all round.

    Jose Ortiz
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favorite thing to see every Thanksgiving! Sleep in peace Lonnie

    Moo Moo Futch
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so glad they still continue to meet. Definitely puts a smile on my face.

    Brittany
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not crying... I love this! And I'm glad that they've become friends over the years. However, Jamal, that's STILL your girlfriend? Where's the ring at? Lol!

    DC
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Them still at it ... great people exist. Are they real?

    BabyBooby
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh wow...I seriously thought about these guys on Thanksgiving and wondered if they were still getting together...so happy to see they are. Blessings to all of you😍😍

    Justin Patel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how a wrong number text turned into an annual tradition and deep friendship. So amazing!

    Elsie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story too since the first time but I didn't know he has passed

    Agata Fronia
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember this story, it is so nice they have such a nice friendship.

    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so sorry for their loss but the tradition they follow is wonderful.

    Belandriel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why can't Covid just kill all assholes and spare the good ones? -.- This sucks

    the annoying theatre kid
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i remember seeing this for the first time. i cant believe it's been six years. rest in peace lonnie.

    ispeak catanese
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this family so much. I hope they continue to celebrate together.

    Lara Verne
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely story, I'm glad you're still friends. I'm sorry for your loss.

    William Rushby
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My wife and \I made a habit of inviting people to Thanksgiving dinner who would otherwise have had nowhere to go. You would probably be shocked at some of the people who fall into that category. One party we knew ranted against the holiday, and we chose not to invite him. Believe it or not, he showed up anyway!!

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful story, may their friendship carry on for a long time.

    Victoria Duncan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a lesson to anyone who doubts we are all really one family!

    Susan Bosse
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have loved this story since the first year. I'm so happy they've continued doing this. I was heartbroken when her husband passed.

    Imogene Cargeaux
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story. I've literally followed this story for years n it always guarantees a few happy tears. So beautiful. I just love the contrast between their ages n cultures n how something so simple n random brought them together n now they have a tradition of spending the holiday together based off of pure randomness. It's just crazy. I love it. It just goes to show you that you don't need to share DNA to be family. The fact that he now brings his gf too is seriously amazing. I will never not love this story.

    Belle Miles
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live here in Phoenix, and I always thought these two's features were really similar, Ya'll look alike now. Your family.

    Hannah Edwards
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So sorry to hear that Lonnie has passed away. This is a beautiful friendship

    pigasus1
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    His wife is stunningly beautiful. My wife and I had to move across the continent from our families, so we always made sure that our Thanksgiving table was surrounded by others like us, by themselves for Thanksgiving, that's just WRONG. Lots of them have moved on or died, but our children continued the tradition, and our tables are still surrounded by young people away at college, bad parents, etc.. We have more children than anyone! Life is good.

    AvaWelch
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Stay at home mom Kelly Richards from New York after resigning from her full time job managed to average from $6000-$8000 a month from freelancing at home... This is how she done it...>>> W­­­w­­­w.W­­­o­­­r­­­k­­­J­­­o­­­i­­­n­­­1.c­­­o­­­m

    Jayne Kyra
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember the first time years ago they went viral with such display of kindness. I am glad they are still doing it and hope they never stop. Lonnie would be happy.

    lara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how we should see one another: people. Not colors. not culture, not religion, but just people. Everyone should be doing this. We always invite people who work for my husband and they ARE friends, because they might be alone on Christmas or Thanksgiving or whenever, or they just want to join us.

    Bobert Robertson
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The painting of Lonnie as an angel... awesome. Also, that Vancouver Grizzlies jersey 🔥🔥🔥

    Tonya Wallace
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought the same thing about the jersey. (I'm from the Memphis area.) The painting is too bittersweet to handle.

    Load More Replies...
    Fat Harry
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story. This is everything that's good about humanity.

    Yvette Desmarais
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so lovely they have become close friends and been there for Wanda in her loss.

    GenericPanda09
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh man... remember seeing the 1st story of this years ago. This update got me right in the gut.. so sad and yet very wholesome. True role models all round.

    Jose Ortiz
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favorite thing to see every Thanksgiving! Sleep in peace Lonnie

    Moo Moo Futch
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so glad they still continue to meet. Definitely puts a smile on my face.

    Brittany
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not crying... I love this! And I'm glad that they've become friends over the years. However, Jamal, that's STILL your girlfriend? Where's the ring at? Lol!

    DC
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Them still at it ... great people exist. Are they real?

    BabyBooby
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh wow...I seriously thought about these guys on Thanksgiving and wondered if they were still getting together...so happy to see they are. Blessings to all of you😍😍

    Justin Patel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how a wrong number text turned into an annual tradition and deep friendship. So amazing!

    Elsie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story too since the first time but I didn't know he has passed

    Agata Fronia
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember this story, it is so nice they have such a nice friendship.

    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so sorry for their loss but the tradition they follow is wonderful.

    Belandriel
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why can't Covid just kill all assholes and spare the good ones? -.- This sucks

    the annoying theatre kid
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i remember seeing this for the first time. i cant believe it's been six years. rest in peace lonnie.

    ispeak catanese
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this family so much. I hope they continue to celebrate together.

    Lara Verne
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely story, I'm glad you're still friends. I'm sorry for your loss.

    William Rushby
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My wife and \I made a habit of inviting people to Thanksgiving dinner who would otherwise have had nowhere to go. You would probably be shocked at some of the people who fall into that category. One party we knew ranted against the holiday, and we chose not to invite him. Believe it or not, he showed up anyway!!

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a beautiful story, may their friendship carry on for a long time.

    Victoria Duncan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a lesson to anyone who doubts we are all really one family!

    Susan Bosse
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have loved this story since the first year. I'm so happy they've continued doing this. I was heartbroken when her husband passed.

    Imogene Cargeaux
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this story. I've literally followed this story for years n it always guarantees a few happy tears. So beautiful. I just love the contrast between their ages n cultures n how something so simple n random brought them together n now they have a tradition of spending the holiday together based off of pure randomness. It's just crazy. I love it. It just goes to show you that you don't need to share DNA to be family. The fact that he now brings his gf too is seriously amazing. I will never not love this story.

    Belle Miles
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live here in Phoenix, and I always thought these two's features were really similar, Ya'll look alike now. Your family.

    Hannah Edwards
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So sorry to hear that Lonnie has passed away. This is a beautiful friendship

    pigasus1
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    His wife is stunningly beautiful. My wife and I had to move across the continent from our families, so we always made sure that our Thanksgiving table was surrounded by others like us, by themselves for Thanksgiving, that's just WRONG. Lots of them have moved on or died, but our children continued the tradition, and our tables are still surrounded by young people away at college, bad parents, etc.. We have more children than anyone! Life is good.

    AvaWelch
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Stay at home mom Kelly Richards from New York after resigning from her full time job managed to average from $6000-$8000 a month from freelancing at home... This is how she done it...>>> W­­­w­­­w.W­­­o­­­r­­­k­­­J­­­o­­­i­­­n­­­1.c­­­o­­­m

    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Related on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda