Amanda Rector shares personal tips and stories on TikTok related to faith, life, and her former time spent in prison. Receiving up to several million views and almost 100,000 followers, her videos dispense quirky tales and prison pro-tips while Amanda curls her hair, applies contour, moves laundry, or takes shopping trips around town. But one very special viral video recounts a trip to Walmart, where she officially met the teenage son she placed for adoption as a newborn shortly before being sent to prison.
In her video, Amanda outlines the circumstances of her own addiction and her son’s birth. Because she was then addicted to drugs, it became clear to her and hospital staff that she would be unable to care for Hunter, who was also born addicted to opioids. He was hospitalized after birth, and Amanda returned to her abusive relationship. Despite her drug addiction and poor health, Amanda briefly visited her son in the hospital but eventually ended up in prison for armed robbery.
@prison_story Imagine wondering for 18 years if he hated you only to find out he saw it as an act of love #adoption #birthmom #update #grace #forgiveness #Jesus #God #HolySpirit #setfree #recovery ♬ original sound – Amanda Dove ❤️
Part of the attraction of Amanda’s story is her honest and sincere account of her time in prison, her remorse, her conversion to Christianity, and her dedication to helping people wherever she can today.
After prison, Amanda lived in the same community as her son but kept her distance. She was unsure whether he would reject her or even “cuss her out.” But her fears faded when, at a chance encounter initiated by her son’s girlfriend, she and her son officially met and embraced.
The moment was memorialized in a photo of a mother and the son placed for adoption 18 years earlier — framed by clearance signs and racks of new clothes at their local Walmart.
Amanda now incorporates updates about her relationship with her son on her TikTok account. The comments in the chat reveal the hope she gives to other moms and adoptees about surviving prison, life after prison, and the benefits of adoption.
Amanda also shares the stories of women from prison, including those who are pregnant and give birth while serving time. There are movements to improve outcomes for women and their children born during incarceration, including access to Mother-Baby Units (MBU). Sadly, only one-fourth of states provide access to MBUs, which can improve bonding between moms and babies, and reduce recidivism.
