📱 She texted the wrong number and invited a stranger to dinner — what happened next became a lifelong bond. A simple mistake turned into years of friendship, unforgettable holidays… and now, a movie that’s touching hearts worldwide ❤️ Read the full story of Wanda and Jamal in the article below! 👇
This heartwarming story began in 2016. Wanda Dench, who lives in Mesa, Arizona (USA), was trying to send a message to her grandson to invite him to Thanksgiving dinner. But she accidentally typed the wrong number and sent the message to a stranger instead.
That stranger was Jamal Hinton. Surprised by the unexpected text, Jamal replied asking who was inviting him. Wanda answered simply, “Your grandma.”
After a short exchange, both of them realized the mistake. Jamal joked, “Can I still get a plate?” Wanda didn’t hesitate. She replied, “Of course! That’s what grandmas do — they feed everyone.”
A few years later, Jamal shared screenshots of that first conversation on Instagram.
Even though they had never met before, Jamal decided to go to Wanda’s house for Thanksgiving. It turned out to be one of the most special holidays of his life. Wanda and her husband, Lonnie, welcomed him warmly.
“When I first got there, Lonnie hugged me like I was really his grandson,” Jamal later shared. “At first, I wasn’t sure if I should go. I didn’t know what kind of people they were or if we’d have anything to talk about. But once I was with them, I realized I had found something more than friends — I had found family.”
If this text message mistake hadn’t happened, Wanda and Jamal probably would never have met. There’s a big age difference between them — Wanda was 63 and Jamal 21 — but that didn’t stop them from becoming close. After that first dinner, Jamal began visiting often and later introduced Wanda and Lonnie to his girlfriend Mikaela.
“We would talk for hours,” said Jamal. “There was never any awkward silence. Wanda has such a kind heart. She always listens, gives good advice, and truly cares. I told her my life story, and she accepted me like family.”
For the next several years, Jamal continued to spend Thanksgiving with Wanda and Lonnie. But in 2020, tragedy struck. Lonnie passed away from complications related to COVID-19. It was a heartbreaking loss, especially for Wanda, who had been married to Lonnie for 41 years.
Six months after his passing, Wanda shared her feelings on Twitter:
“I am overwhelmed with sadness. Lonnie was my everything — my love, my rock. He was the kindest man I ever knew. I miss him deeply and hope we meet again someday. It’s been hard, but I’m thankful for my family’s support. I especially want to thank Jamal and Mikaela. Lonnie and I loved them so much. I truly believe we were meant to meet, like our souls were connected in another life.”
Despite her grief, Wanda didn’t cancel Thanksgiving that year. She chose to keep the tradition going. She invited Jamal and Mikaela, along with her daughter and her actual grandson, for dinner.
“Lonnie would’ve been upset if we didn’t get together,” Wanda said. “It was hard at first. We had his picture and a candle on the table, and everyone cried. But as dinner went on, we shared memories and funny stories. Slowly, the sadness lifted a little.”
In 2021, Jamal and Mikaela — now married — returned to celebrate Thanksgiving at Wanda’s house once again. Their story has touched people around the world. News outlets wrote articles, made videos, and even interviewed them.
The story became so popular that Netflix announced plans to turn it into a movie — a true reminder of how kindness and a simple mistake can lead to lifelong friendship and love.
