He aspires to inspire

CHAPEL HILL -- You don't need hands to give your fellow man a hand up. Marty Ravellette's life is proof of that. Born without arms, the 64-year-old landscaper is something of a living legend around Chapel Hill and Carrboro. He awes, inspires and definitely shocks as he goes about those towns planting shrubs, mowing grass and blowing leaves using his neck, chest and feet.

Ravellette says he likes having such a visible profile because he knows that people see hope and possibilities when they witness a disabled man enabling himself. To bolster his case, Ravellette carries with him a copy of an essay written by a man who had suffered great financial loss and was driving through Chapel Hill considering suicide.

But, the essay says, when the man spotted Ravellette out mowing grass on a blistering hot summer day, the man realized that he could survive too. That type of testimonial has fueled Ravellette's life with meaning and purpose.

"I feel that this is part of what I should give back to America," he said. "America has given so much to me. I feel that with the attitude I have and the work that I do, I am paying that debt."

Ravellette's giving extends far beyond his job. He garnered the attention of the Rosie O'Donnell show in 1998 after he rescued a woman from a burning car on U.S. 15-501 in Durham. He also likes to share his story with groups, inspiring them to make a difference in the world. Over the last couple of years, for example, Ravellette has spoken to journalism students at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Ravellette will likely reach his largest audience yet in September when a one-hour documentary about him airs on the Discovery Channel. Viewers will get an in-depth look at his life, including the early years when he lived in an orphanage because his parents couldn't handle his handicap.

Fortunately, the orphanage laid the foundation for Ravellette to become the independent and strong person that he is today. He has lived in nine states, always worked physically challenging jobs and has been married to his second wife, Maree, for 13 years. He has a 38-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. A son died as a child.

Ravellette says he came to fully understand the purpose for his life after becoming a member of the Bahai Faith in 1967. He said this Bahai statement changed his life: "Noble have I created thee; yet thou hast abased thyself." Ravellette said he knew then that he was called to do more with his life and have an impact on society.

Here he talks more about his outlook on life and why some have dubbed him "an angel without wings."

Q. Have there ever been times when you felt insecure about having no arms?

Only two or three times in my life. Once was when I couldn't hold my babies when they were born.

Q. What motivates you to live your life inspiring others?

Knowing that my life can help humanity. But not through words. Words are cheap, but actions aren't. Actions tell you what you are.

Q. How did you start speaking to students at UNC-Chapel Hill?

My wife is African-American and she works at Shoney's. One day we were there eating and Professor Chuck Stone came up and said, "Here is this beautiful African-American woman and she's not only with a white man but a white man with no arms. What's going on here?" He just couldn't figure it out. He sat down and we talked. After three or four months he invited me to his journalism class to speak to his students. That was six years ago.

Q. What do you tell the students in your talk with them?

I talk about nobility and how mankind is noble. It just doesn't know it yet. No man has the right to look down on another human being because of the color of his skin. I also tell them that they can do the same things I've done. You don't have to be handicapped to have an impact.