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Grandma Who Accidentally Invited A Stranger To Thanksgiving Spends Third Thanksgiving With The Teen
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Grandma Who Accidentally Invited A Stranger To Thanksgiving Spends Third Thanksgiving With The Teen

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With all the discord and divisiveness in the world, the Thanksgiving holiday can provide the perfect stage to bring us all together – the story of Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench is the perfect example of random acts of kindness.

For those who don’t remember, in 2016, Hinton (17-years-old at the time) received a wrong number text from Dench inviting him to a family Thanksgiving dinner.

Here’s Justin, the real grandson, and his girlfriend Amanda

And Jamal actually went to go grab that plate

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Since the heartwarming story first broke, Dench, has named Hinton as her ‘honorary grandson,’ which is quite fitting. In an interview with the Arizona Republic last year, Dench said, ‘It was nice having everybody here, we got to laugh about last year and reminisce about how it all blew up on our phone and how I had to change my number. We had a laugh and a good time.” Hinton found the dinner meaningful, as well. “The world is becoming a better place than it used to be,’ he said in 2017, “With all the Donald Trump going on and all the racial comments going on, it’s kind of good to remember the Thanksgiving traditions and see there are still good people out there,’ he said at the time.” Dench gave her new ‘grandson’ an open invitation for all future Thanksgivings at her house, so we foresee this tradition living on.

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Three years later, Hinton and Dench still have family time together. Hinton posted their annual picture together this year with the caption: “2016, 2017…… 2018,” adding that he promised to post a video he filmed with Dench and her husband on Friday.

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mulk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am not American. I live in Europe. But for me that's the real meaning and purpose of Thanksgiving!

varwenea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

mulk, What J said. ^^ It's nice to see someone truly understanding the meaning.

Load More Replies...
RitaGG
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Mom died 3 weeks ago. My only other family here (sister and niece) both worked Thanksgiving Day. A coworker of mine knew i would be alone, so she invited me to her house with her husband, granddaughter and another couple. I made new friends yesterday. Warms my heart typing this.

ZombieGirl5591
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this story and I'm glad they do this, still, every year!

K. LNU
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saw this when it originally hit the news. So glad that they have kept up the tradition! <3

Deborah Stowe
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that is beautiful and a perfect lesson for ALL of us to remember !👍❤️

My Alter Ego
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too many "feel good" stories hit the headlines before fading into obscurity that it really, truly is heartwarming to see that authentic human kindness and compassion still exist in a world so full of ignorance and hate. I LOVE THIS STORY AND I LOVE THESE PEOPLE

lunanoir69
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone has always been welcome at my house for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the other 363 days of the year. I don't believe anyone should go hungry, so I've had friends bring their friends, and my little family has grown. Everyone has a fascinating story, treat people with kindness!!

Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! I remember this story exactly from two years ago, that's so awesome they still meet! Warms heart and made my day!

Carmen Elena
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can´t we all be like this? live in peace, no differences... This is exactly what thanksgiving means :) I´m not from EUA but it´s clear what this day is about :) Happy Thanksgiving -a bit late- to everyone!

The Girl on Fire
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love can pass all human-constructed boundaries- race, age, etc.- if we don't let our differences divide us. This is beautiful. :)

Luisa Vasconcelos
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remembered to see this story first time when came out ,and it's such a joy and heart warming to see that they are still doing this. I want to read this every Thanksgiving season. 😊

Valinka
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have this "tradition" here in Belgium, (i put tradition in "" because we probably didn't invented it), and as we are a bunch of foreigners without possibility to go back home for Christmas, that we do what we call the "Orphans Christmas": of course we are not "orphans", just a bunch of people that cannot afford to go home- or don't have any family to go home to, and we just celebrate Christmas between us. A good meal, carring people, little gifts...that is all you need :)

Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather have your type of xmas anyway. Hope this year it's awesome!

Load More Replies...
Janet Judd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad they met and had Thanksgiving together and that it still carries on each year. It's nice to meet by accident and then become friends. It's the kind of thing my Mom would do and she's fun! I'm from Canada and the country people where I grew up always seemed to have really good food and wanted to share it with other people. Thank you for this great story!

Magpie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sort of on topic... In Victoria ( its a state ) Australia we just had elections. I was handing out how to vote cards. All the other people handing out cards were so friendly and helpful to this newbie. People can be courageous and kind and friendly.

Patty cake ;3
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so sweet! Warms my heart to see that there are still good people out there.

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

This is such a fun story! And BTW Jamal is absolutely gorgeous. Need to get myself invited!

Rob Chapman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great to see a follow up to this story. An accidental text creates a new family bond. Awesome.

Mikhail Mangia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely beautiful and to open yourself up to the point of allowing emotional connection with a stranger. That’s just so awesome

Melissa H
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me and my mom read this and both agreed we would do the same thing lmao. I host Thanksgiving and I'm not a grandma but I've had more than one random invited and I know my mom wouldn't hesitate to call and be like "I have a plus one" . This makes me so happy!!!!!

Terri McGoldrick
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Need to see more of this in society. What is his back story I wonder. Where are his parents?

Debster
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 50 and my kids are 11 and 13 but I wanna be a grandma and do this too.

Sarah Booth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like these sorts of stories. It helps battle against the others that make you lose faith in humanity.

Luisa Vasconcelos
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favorite story for this time of the year. Home still see this in 10 years.

Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look like family; the comfort with each other, the affection. This made me cry.

Rebecca Jimenez
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love this and no racism great people the both of them, to many wonderful Thanksgivings to them all

Sue Kozin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so happy this is a recurring event. I remember the first year. Good holidays to all.

Sue Kozin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember the first year. So happy it has become an event. Good holidays to all.

rohana mkhairani
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the world is getting better!! love this story, it warm my heart.. skin should't be a barrier...

HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my Gran started inviting strangers to her house i would have to put a stop to that immediately, i would be like "are you f*****g crazy Nan?, don't invite strangers to your house, for one he could be a nut-bag and another thing is less food for your actual family", now jog on stranger.

AwesomeKitty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so cute. I am an available granddaughter that will eat any food you throw at me (except lettuce.)

Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was all for this post until I saw the obligatory idiotic Donald Trump reference. This time it was in the actual article itself. The irony of people bitching about racism, then bringing race into something that wasn't racial beforehand at all is incredible.

Lilly
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this when it came out for the first Thanksgiving & loved it; it made me laugh & it warmed the cockles of my heart. Knowing that it's been a recurring thing has me all teary-eyed. Hope it continues for many years! and i'm looking forward to updates on it.

Valinka
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just beautiful! Props to both "Grandma" and "Grandson" who made this happened!

Scott Amundsen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful story; it carries the true meaning of the holiday.

kathryn stretton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. Saw it the first time, but never expected this follow up. Warms the cockles, doesn't it ?

your name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was here last year too this is an old story but a good one

Lewis Jones
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and we have to hear this same story every f*****g year? it is not entertaining or informative, let it die PLEASE!!!!!

Allen John
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Glenna Wheatley
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good thing Trump is NOT a racist, he's just painted that way by extreme leftists, the media, and dishonest liberal congressmen.

mulk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am not American. I live in Europe. But for me that's the real meaning and purpose of Thanksgiving!

varwenea
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

mulk, What J said. ^^ It's nice to see someone truly understanding the meaning.

Load More Replies...
RitaGG
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Mom died 3 weeks ago. My only other family here (sister and niece) both worked Thanksgiving Day. A coworker of mine knew i would be alone, so she invited me to her house with her husband, granddaughter and another couple. I made new friends yesterday. Warms my heart typing this.

ZombieGirl5591
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this story and I'm glad they do this, still, every year!

K. LNU
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saw this when it originally hit the news. So glad that they have kept up the tradition! <3

Deborah Stowe
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that is beautiful and a perfect lesson for ALL of us to remember !👍❤️

My Alter Ego
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too many "feel good" stories hit the headlines before fading into obscurity that it really, truly is heartwarming to see that authentic human kindness and compassion still exist in a world so full of ignorance and hate. I LOVE THIS STORY AND I LOVE THESE PEOPLE

lunanoir69
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone has always been welcome at my house for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the other 363 days of the year. I don't believe anyone should go hungry, so I've had friends bring their friends, and my little family has grown. Everyone has a fascinating story, treat people with kindness!!

Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! I remember this story exactly from two years ago, that's so awesome they still meet! Warms heart and made my day!

Carmen Elena
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can´t we all be like this? live in peace, no differences... This is exactly what thanksgiving means :) I´m not from EUA but it´s clear what this day is about :) Happy Thanksgiving -a bit late- to everyone!

The Girl on Fire
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love can pass all human-constructed boundaries- race, age, etc.- if we don't let our differences divide us. This is beautiful. :)

Luisa Vasconcelos
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remembered to see this story first time when came out ,and it's such a joy and heart warming to see that they are still doing this. I want to read this every Thanksgiving season. 😊

Valinka
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have this "tradition" here in Belgium, (i put tradition in "" because we probably didn't invented it), and as we are a bunch of foreigners without possibility to go back home for Christmas, that we do what we call the "Orphans Christmas": of course we are not "orphans", just a bunch of people that cannot afford to go home- or don't have any family to go home to, and we just celebrate Christmas between us. A good meal, carring people, little gifts...that is all you need :)

Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather have your type of xmas anyway. Hope this year it's awesome!

Load More Replies...
Janet Judd
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad they met and had Thanksgiving together and that it still carries on each year. It's nice to meet by accident and then become friends. It's the kind of thing my Mom would do and she's fun! I'm from Canada and the country people where I grew up always seemed to have really good food and wanted to share it with other people. Thank you for this great story!

Magpie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sort of on topic... In Victoria ( its a state ) Australia we just had elections. I was handing out how to vote cards. All the other people handing out cards were so friendly and helpful to this newbie. People can be courageous and kind and friendly.

Patty cake ;3
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so sweet! Warms my heart to see that there are still good people out there.

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

This is such a fun story! And BTW Jamal is absolutely gorgeous. Need to get myself invited!

Rob Chapman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great to see a follow up to this story. An accidental text creates a new family bond. Awesome.

Mikhail Mangia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely beautiful and to open yourself up to the point of allowing emotional connection with a stranger. That’s just so awesome

Melissa H
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me and my mom read this and both agreed we would do the same thing lmao. I host Thanksgiving and I'm not a grandma but I've had more than one random invited and I know my mom wouldn't hesitate to call and be like "I have a plus one" . This makes me so happy!!!!!

Terri McGoldrick
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Need to see more of this in society. What is his back story I wonder. Where are his parents?

Debster
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm 50 and my kids are 11 and 13 but I wanna be a grandma and do this too.

Sarah Booth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like these sorts of stories. It helps battle against the others that make you lose faith in humanity.

Luisa Vasconcelos
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favorite story for this time of the year. Home still see this in 10 years.

Dorothy Parker
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look like family; the comfort with each other, the affection. This made me cry.

Rebecca Jimenez
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love this and no racism great people the both of them, to many wonderful Thanksgivings to them all

Sue Kozin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am so happy this is a recurring event. I remember the first year. Good holidays to all.

Sue Kozin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember the first year. So happy it has become an event. Good holidays to all.

rohana mkhairani
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the world is getting better!! love this story, it warm my heart.. skin should't be a barrier...

HoffLensMetalHedLovesAnimalsUK
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my Gran started inviting strangers to her house i would have to put a stop to that immediately, i would be like "are you f*****g crazy Nan?, don't invite strangers to your house, for one he could be a nut-bag and another thing is less food for your actual family", now jog on stranger.

AwesomeKitty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so cute. I am an available granddaughter that will eat any food you throw at me (except lettuce.)

Full Name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was all for this post until I saw the obligatory idiotic Donald Trump reference. This time it was in the actual article itself. The irony of people bitching about racism, then bringing race into something that wasn't racial beforehand at all is incredible.

Lilly
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this when it came out for the first Thanksgiving & loved it; it made me laugh & it warmed the cockles of my heart. Knowing that it's been a recurring thing has me all teary-eyed. Hope it continues for many years! and i'm looking forward to updates on it.

Valinka
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just beautiful! Props to both "Grandma" and "Grandson" who made this happened!

Scott Amundsen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful story; it carries the true meaning of the holiday.

kathryn stretton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. Saw it the first time, but never expected this follow up. Warms the cockles, doesn't it ?

your name
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was here last year too this is an old story but a good one

Lewis Jones
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and we have to hear this same story every f*****g year? it is not entertaining or informative, let it die PLEASE!!!!!

Allen John
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Glenna Wheatley
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good thing Trump is NOT a racist, he's just painted that way by extreme leftists, the media, and dishonest liberal congressmen.

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