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Grandma accidentally invited teen to Thanksgiving dinner Four years ago and the unlikely friends have shared the vacation together ever since. But this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the couple celebrated a little differently – and there was an empty seat at the table.
In 2016, Wanda Dench was trying to let her grandchildren know about the family’s upcoming vacation plans and tried texting her grandson. But Jamal Hinton, who was a 17-year-old high school student and a complete stranger to Dench at the time, received the text instead.
After the two Arizona natives realized the mistake, Hinton asked if he could “still get a plate,” according to screenshots he posted on Twitter. Dench replied, “Of course you can. That’s what grannies do … feed everyone.”
Hinton shared the sweet conversation on social media and the story quickly went viral. Since then, they have celebrated Thanksgiving together every year, always take pictures and take videos, to the delight of many following their history.
This year, a very important person is missing from the annual tradition – Dench’s husband, Lonnie. He died of the coronavirus this spring, reports KPHO-TV, a CBS affiliate. Wanda was able to be with him during his last moments, the outlet added.
Hinton announced on Twitter As of April 1, Lonnie and Wanda had tested positive for COVID-19. He said at the time that Lonnie was “in the hospital fighting both COVID and pneumonia.” A week later, Hinton tweeted “Lonnie failed.”
Dench and Hinton pondered the risks of holding a Thanksgiving celebration amid the pandemic, wondering if they could find a way to reunite the night before to reunite with their own families, reports The New York Times. But, they ultimately concluded that the risk was too high, according to the New York Times.
In honor of Lonnie, the friends instead organized a small, uncluttered gathering on Friday, KPHO reports. Dench, his grandson, daughter, Hinton, and girlfriend, Mikaela, gathered for a Thanksgiving meal. The event was a sharp contrast of the great celebrations of past years.
“I didn’t want to miss Thanksgiving with Jamal,” Dench told KPHO. “This year is definitely different from all the years in the past.”
To honor Lonnie, an empty seat and a lighted candle were placed at the head of the table. The beloved husband always said thanks before the holiday meal, so this year Dench led the prayer.
“Thank you for all the blessings, and thank you very much for having Lonnie in my life,” Dench said as everyone sat around the table. “I miss him, but I know he’s in a good position. So to everyone here I love you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Hinton also wanted to message Lonnie during the celebrations“I would just like to say hello, say thank you for welcoming me into your home with open arms from day one,” he said.
The CDC Thursday urged Americans not to travel during the holidays, as coronavirus cases continue to rise. The agency’s updated recommendations say the safest way to spend the day is “at home with the people you live with.”
“Gatherings with family and friends who don’t live with you can increase the chances of catching or spreading COVID-19 or the flu,” the guide added. “Travel can increase your chances of catching and spreading COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.”
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