The heartwarming story of a grandmother and a man she accidentally invited to Thanksgiving dinner nine years ago has taken a bittersweet turn.

Their beloved tradition, which became a symbol of kindness and connection, had to be adjusted this year due to unexpected circumstances.

In 2016, Wanda Dench mistakenly sent a Thanksgiving dinner invitation to Jamal Hinton, believing she was texting her grandson.

Upon realizing her error, Hinton asked if he could still join her for dinner. Dench warmly replied: “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do… feed everyone.”

Hinton shared their text exchange on social media, where it quickly went viral, offering a rare moment of wholesomeness that resonated with people worldwide.

The pair continued their Thanksgiving tradition year after year, forming a unique bond that grew stronger over time.

Their relationship deepened through shared experiences beyond the holiday table.

Hinton stood by Dench during her toughest moments, including the loss of her husband, Lonnie, in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.

Speaking to CNN, Hinton described their connection, stating: “We’re more a family now.”

The two also shared fun moments, such as when Hinton accompanied Dench to get her first tattoo.

Unfortunately, the duo faced another challenge recently.

In an Instagram post last month, Hinton shared an update from Dench, revealing her diagnosis of breast cancer.

The illness was discovered during a CT scan for bronchitis, which revealed a concerning lump.

Dench explained that her treatment, including chemotherapy, had left her immunocompromised, making it unsafe for her to join Hinton and his family for their annual Thanksgiving gathering.

Dench expressed her disappointment, saying: “I was looking so forward to meeting his family and having turkey with everybody, but we have to accept things the way they are. I’m sure next year is going to be so much better.”

Despite being unable to meet in person, the pair found a creative way to stay connected.

They went live on Instagram, allowing Dench to chat with Hinton and his family, maintaining their cherished connection.

Reflecting on their journey, Hinton shared that when he first asked for a Thanksgiving plate in 2016, he was joking.

He never expected it to turn into something so meaningful. “It turned out to be something amazing,” he said.

The duo’s heartwarming story even caught the attention of Netflix.

In 2021, the streaming platform announced plans to produce a movie titled The Thanksgiving Text, inspired by their viral tradition.

However, updates on the film’s progress have been scarce.

Although this year’s celebration was different, the bond between Dench and Hinton remains unshaken.

Both are hopeful that next Thanksgiving will bring them back together around the dinner table.