Semi Driver Nearly Kills Us on Easter

Captions: 1. On left, Sarah R. Conzemius; on right, Matthew A. Quinn. Photo by Jesse Conzemius. 2. Jesse L. Conzemius. 3. Jim V. Conzemius. 4. Maria H. Conzemius.

My husband, Jim; our son, Jesse; and I were traveling to the Figge Art Museum in Davenport to meet our daughter, Sarah, and our future son-in-law, Matt, for Easter brunch at the Figge Café. Jim was driving and it was pouring down rain. Semis, cars, pickups, and SUVs threw up spray as we all traveled east on 80 between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Jesse and I were talking cameras when Jim suddenly swerved to the left to avoid a semi. The semi driver changed lanes from the right lane to the left lane while we were in it! What with the rain and water spray, he must not have seen us. Jim, a skilled professional driver, swerved safely and kept our gray van under control. There was no contact, no accident, and we were safe. I was so grateful.

Of course I couldn’t get a license plate on the semi. Visibility was very poor, which is probably why the near-accident happened in the first place.

We arrived safely at Sarah’s and Matt’s apartment and had coffee before heading down to the café.

Jesse used my camera to take photos of Matt and Sarah in a Figge hallway/staircase for engagement announcements. I asked Sarah to come up with a draft with Matt so I could list the appropriate information the way they want the announcement to appear.