Pocket Change

Seventeen-year-old Jamal Hinton was sitting in class at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix when a text alert popped up on his phone. “Thanksgiving is at my house November 24 at 3:00 p.m.” it read. “Let me know if you’re coming. Hope to see you all.” Jamal didn’t recognize the texter’s number, so he asked, “Who is this?” “Your grandma,” was the reply. Thinking his grandmother might have changed her number, Hinton requested a photo. Wanda sent him a selfie which was followed by one from Jamal. “You not my grandma,” he concluded. “Can I still get a plate, though?” “Of course you can,” was her response, “that’s what grandmas do. Feed everyone.” Jamal then tweeted screenshots of their conversation, which went viral. Wanda received so many RSVPs she had to change her number. She’s not mad at Jamal, though. He’s still invited to Thanksgiving dinner. I hope they have a great time. I hope you do, too.