Unlikely friendship that began accidentally on Thanksgiving, still going strong

Seven years ago, Wanda Dench accidentally texted Jamal Hinton details for their holiday feast thinking it was her grandson. He accepted - and a tradition began.

For more Local News from WMTV: www.nbc15.com/
For more KZbin Content: / @wmtv15news

[@cgirl3270]

How beautiful. I have spent the last 6 thanksgivings completely alone. Well I usually have a dog. In 2022 my dog died early November. I would love to accidentally meet some nice people who would enjoy coming over and cooking with me .

[@MsMadam-zo5wz]

They’re mom & son how sweet of their friendship. They’re both wonderful human being. Spread love God Bless You Both!

[@ericac.4316]

Jamal is such a great guy!! I can just see the true genuine in him. I’m so glad they both met! Definitely family!!

[@carribgirl007]

What if these two are soulmates? Soulmates do not always mean romantic.

[@lynncoombs5719]

What a wonderful story of kindness and acceptance. An accidental mother and son. If only we could all emulate this love….

[@ellag8068]

That’s why so many people don’t have friends today. People are always trying to put a face on what their friend network is supposed to look like. People are just so much more complicated than our outwardly appearances.

[@FVWhimsy2010]

It's not just friendship...it's love.

[@thesweetlife9621]

I cannot believe it’s coming up on year 8!! This story will always be newsworthy every year.

[@wheezkeeds1]

This is such a touching story! No boundaries in generation, age, status, race have kept them apart to become friends! Both were accepting and kind that propelled to an extra ordinary kind of friendship... 😊

[@FunksIncKeys]

This has to be one of the greatest mistakes every !!

[@KingofgraceSARA]

My best buddy is an 80 something year old white woman. I'm a 40 year old black woman. We were enemies initially 😅

[@laurenhardy7989]

I've come across this story so many times over the years and I love it so much.

[@joy...7689]

Cannot get tired of this story, may God continue to strengthen this friendship.

[@gerdcelinejensen8294]

The story reached Norway too, bless them both! 🥰🥰🙏❤️

[@Khaleesi_Jack]

I love that it’s been 7, going on 8 years already. They both seemed like they needed someone outside their circle, and they happened to find someone with a good heart. It’s so sweet.

[@Nigelsmom2136]

It is so great to see something so positive and happy in a world that is in such a sad state. It gives you hope.

[@elib7311]

I just love this, and I love the annual update. I’m so sorry for the loss of her husband, but I’m so happy how everyone has remained family, connected, unified.

[@susanpressley2781]

In a world filled with hate, I’m reminded of this wonderful friendship. It takes the sting out of what is going on. I absolutely love this friendship. May it last forever.

[@TheChrisPineWorkshop]

I, of course , remember this story form when it started! I love it! Makes me want to invite myself over! :) I give huge shout-out to this reporter and how this video was done and edited. The touch of a few seconds of silence at the end !!! Brilliant! We have so much noise in our lives just the photo and silence is wonderful!

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

I love that Jamal was brave enough to ask if he could still come to Thanksgiving, once he realized he was the accidental grandson, and I love that Wanda said yes. I'm a confirmed fan of both. I wasn't alone to feel sad when Lonnie died. Those of us who kept up with them all felt the same way, I am sure. Aside from Lonnie's sad passing, though, this story borders on being a real life fairy tale. I wish Wanda every happiness in her new home, and I never had any question about year eight. None of us did. We can all see that this loving relationship is forever.