Grandma and stranger who she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving dinner plan to meet for ninth year
The pair are switching up their usual plans as they meet for the ninth year in a row
Lucy Devine
A grandma who accidentally invited a stranger to her Thanksgiving dinner has plans to meet up with him for the ninth year in a row.
Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton's friendship first started back in 2016, when Wanda tried texting her grandson to invite him for Thanksgiving dinner, but accidentally sent it to Jamal, who at the time was a complete stranger.
Although the pair quickly realised the mix up, Jamal decided to try his luck anyway and asked if he could 'still get a plate' despite the error.
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"Of course you can," Wanda replied.
"That's what grandma's do... feed everyone."
Wanda ended up inviting Jamal back a year later and the pair have met up consecutively for almost a decade, with this Thanksgiving being their ninth year.
This year, the pair are changing things up, however, with Jamal hosting Wanda.
On Monday, he wrote on social media: "Excited to announce that I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year for Wanda and I!
"Looking forward to a day filled with good food, great company, and lasting memories. Year 9 coming soon!"
Just last month, Wanda sadly revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, following a CT scan for lung condition, bronchitis.
Following the diagnosis, Jamal shared a message from Wanda on his Instagram account.
"Hi, my name is Wanda, you might know how we met in 2016 when I accidentally sent him a text inviting him to Thanksgiving when I thought I sent it to my grandson," the message read.
"It went viral and it changed our life for the better and we still plan on getting together for Thanksgiving next month as we have every year.
"But what I want to let you know today is this month is Breast Cancer awareness month.
"Earlier this year I came down with bronchitis and had a CT scan to check out my lungs.
"That’s when a mass in my breast was detected and they suggested I get a mammogram and that verified I had breast cancer. I am have been currently going through chemotherapy.
"Cancer does not run in my family and all the mammograms I had in the past were always negative. In 2022 I turned 65 years old and I thought I would have my last mammogram and not have to think about it again. But I was wrong."
Wanda finished off the message by reminding followers to 'get [their] check-ups'.
Fans are looking forward to seeing what Wanda and Jamal have in store for Thanksgiving this year, with one person commenting: "I’m so happy to see the updates every year! Beautiful."
While another said: "I am so happy you still spend thanksgiving with her!!! Ugh I love this story and I will watch the original video every time I can."