Nebraska Nice in Action

(MAXWELL, Neb.) – A man, on a trip across the country, faced several difficulties, from running out of gas to a stolen car. He was on his way to visit his daughters in Portland, Maine. When he found himself walking across Nebraska, the community came together to get this wanderer on his way. This is what “Nebraska Nice” is about.

Midwest Media by Melanie chronicled his story below.

From Portland to Portland, via Maxwell, Nebraska

This man and his dog, Hallelujah, are walking from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine. This photo is from his stop in Maxwell, Nebraska, Tuesday. One gal in town (from the youth shelter) is bringing him a tent because rain is in the forecast.

These images were shared with me, but I am hoping to get to Maxwell before he heads down the road to get his full story.

Photo courtesy of Maria Miller. She took him some snacks for the road, and some dog food. She said he is very polite – like she stepped back in time, like he walked out of a time capsule from the ‘60s with “peace and love and minimalism.”

I’m in contact with his daughter. Robert was excited to hear that I had her phone number. We called and he left her a message. I gave him my phone number as well to make sure he has a contact if he needs help.

I’m hoping someone can give him a ride to Amtrak in McCook. I am able to go there and buy a ticket for him if there is anyone else who can help.

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UPDATE: I went to visit with this man and his dog. They weathered the rain under a shelter, in a tent given to him by a woman in town. He was grateful for the safe and dry place to rest.

Robert is his name, and he explained to me that he and Hallelujah started out on a road trip like he has done in the past when his car ran out of gas. When he returned a day later with gas, his car was gone so he started walking. At some point he had his backpack taken with his phone and laptop.

So he kept walking.

Robert has twin 22-year-old daughters in Maine, and he is working his way toward them. A couple of days before I met him, he sent them a post card because he does not have their phone numbers.

He is willing to accept a ride or money for a bus/plane ticket, but he does not want to ask or put anyone out. He stopped after walking 10-15 miles Tuesday, he says, “to rest under a big tree,” he believes must have a great historical story. He shared stories from his life and his family. He is a mechanic by trade, and has an interest in environmentalism, hoping to start a non profit someday to help others. He said of his travels, Nebraska roads and ditches are some of the cleanest.

I have found Robert’s daughters and a friend on Facebook and have sent messages to each of them informing them of Robert’s sutuation and whereabouts. He will continue east in the meantime.

To answer a few questions – Robert has gone through 8 states and three pair of shoes. He has replaced tires on his wagon (and is on his second wagon). Of his dog, Hallelujah, he says he walks on the grass next the road a lot. He does not think his four-legged friend would willingly wear doggy shoes.

I will update again soon. I will be doing more Wednesday – reaching out to Robert’s bank in Maine, and hopefully communicating to his family. I will upload my conversation with Robert on my subscription page for now.

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Update as the day ends:

I met Robert and Hallelujah Tuesday night in Maxwell after the rain. They were nestled in for the night in the tent given to them – and grateful for it! When we visited he told me the names of his daughters. I made contact with one by morning, and she was grateful, saying she had no luck trying to get ahold of him. She was thankful to hear her dad is alive.

After returning to the area to find Robert and Hallelujah, I found them close to Brady. Together we called his daughter and left a message for her. She messaged later, apologizing that she could not answer because she was at work.

I shared the phone “reunion” story on Facebook and that is when the help started pouring in. A train ticket turned into a plane ticket, and a ride to McCook turned into a motel back in North Platte to rest before the trip “home.” Finding a home or foster for Hallelujah turned into a man and his four legged friend getting the opportunity to go home together! I saw too many miracles and acts of kindness to share in this article at midnight. Let’s just say, Robert’s dog is aptly named. Hallelujah!

Prayers for a safe flight! I will update again

~ At the airport for their 10:30 am flight toward home.

My heart is so full it almost hurts. God speed new friends! Thank you to EVERYONE who helped with time, gifts, and prayers to help Robert and Hallelujah! Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine, via Maxwell, Nebraska

Robert (and Hallelujah) texted around 1 am to tell me they arrived safely and to say thank you.