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“Thanksgiving dinner is at my house on Nov. 24 at 3:00.” Curious, he asked who was texting him, only to receive the reply, “Your grandma.” When he saw a picture of a White woman who was clearly not his grandmother, he jokingly responded, “You not my grandma. Can I still get a plate though?
” What followed became a viral sensation. The grandmother, Wanda Dench, warmly invited him to dinner, saying, “Of course you can. That’s what grandmas do…feed everyone.” Hinton accepted her offer and traveled from Tempe, Arizona, to Mesa to celebrate with her family—and he’s joined them every Thanksgiving since.
Over the years, their bond has only deepFrom Strangers to Family: The Heartwarming Story of a Thanksgiving Text .
ened Hinton began sharing updates about his relationship with Dench on social media, revealing both joyful and sorrowful moments, including Dench’s husband’s passing from COVID-19 in 2020.
In 2023, Hinton announced an exciting new venture: he and Dench had become business partners, launching an alkaline black water brand called BlackMP. They continue to share their lives beyond the holidays, attending events and dinners together throughout the year.
This Thanksgiving, they are inviting others to join their tradition through an Airbnb listing, where guests can celebrate with them in Prescott Valley. Hinton shared the news on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful connections.
Their story is a testament to how a simple text can transform strangers into family, and Hinton humorously noted that he still receives accidental texts—proving that his life is filled with unexpected connections.
