When he was 30 years old, motocross racer and self-described “adrenaline junkie”, Monte Perepelkin, was involved in a motocross accident that left him a quadriplegic.
The four years following his accident was admittedly tough for Monte who called that period “an unwinnable situation.” He also went through a divorce during that time.
However, his two daughters were a constant source of light for Monte. They immediately occupied his thoughts at the time of his accident. “I was fully conscious, and somehow knew it was permanent. I just started thinking about my kids, and that I’d never be able to hug them again,” recalls Monte. Yet, his daughters also reminded him that there are other ways to display love and affection as a parent, one of which is by devoting attention to your children.
“They were playing dolls one day, and my daughter said, ‘Daddy, I’m glad you’re in a wheelchair, because we get to see you all the time and play with you,’” says Monte. And that was when Monte realized that he had a unique opportunity that many parents did not have: to be consistently present at every step of his children’s development.
“I realized I had opportunity that most dads never get — I get to spend nearly every day with them.”
Following that conversation, Monte decided to adjust his worldview, focusing on things that he is able to do. He started finding alternative methods to continue pursuing what he loves. For instance, he has picked up the skill of typing using a mouth stick, and has since utilized this to write for a motocross magazine.
Additionally, Monte has recently published his autobiography, The Perfect Life, and he hopes “it helps people who face adversity to realize there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
“Over time, I realized our physical bodies are of very small consequence when it comes to how we live, who we are, and even how we love.”
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