Everyone has their own holiday traditions but none are quite as unique as Wanda and Jamal’s. Back in 2016, Wanda sent out a text to her grandkids to invite them over for Thanksgiving — at least that’s what she meant to do. Turns out, one of her grandchildren got a new phone number, meaning one of the kiddos she had texted was a total stranger. Rather than ignoring this mystery text, the stranger who received it, named Jamal, decided to find out who had contacted him.
One thing led to another and, before they knew it, Jamal was invited to join Wanda and her family for Thanksgiving dinner. Best of all, he’s been invited back ever since — and this year was no different. Well, almost. This year, they decided to extend their special day to others.
In partnership with Airbnb, Wanda and Jamal invited a small number of locals to join them for Thanksgiving dinner at a rental home, giving those with no other place to go a chance to celebrate with new friends. Anyone was able to RSVP for one of these coveted spots and, according to CBS News, to do so only cost $16.
This was Wanda and Jamal’s eighth Thanksgiving together. As special as it is for them, it’s become an annual tradition that countless folks, including myself, look forward to hearing about every year. What a special tradition to come from a simple mistake!
Watch the video below to see Grandma Wanda and Jamal, the stranger she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving, celebrate the holiday together throughout the last eight years.
@thatgoodnewsgirl A grandma in Arizona accidentally texted a stranger in 2016 inviting them to Thanksgiving dinner. Now, Jamal and Wanda are spending their eight Thanksgiving together. ❤️ 📸 jamalhinton12 (IG) #actsofkindness #thanksgiving #thanksgivingdinner #peoplebeingkind #goodnews #positivecontent ♬ original sound – jenn💜 good news & fun stories
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