Day 88: Flotsam & Jetsam
According to the National Ocean service, flotsam and jetsam are terms that describe two types of marine debris associated with vessels. Flotsam is defined as debris in the water that was not deliberately thrown overboard, often as a result from a shipwreck or accident. Jetsam describes debris that was deliberately thrown overboard by a crew of a ship in distress, most often to lighten the ship's load. Sometimes, some of us feel like debris in the water, waiting to be picked up or to float to a world where we belong.
Welcome back, thirsty readers. I mentioned yesterday, that it's Pride Month. Sadly, an event happened fours years ago today, which makes it a little harder to be proud. While digging for things to feel proud and happy about, it's probably important to also remember why we have to fight in the first place.
As the clock struck midnight on June 12, 2016, everyone at Pulse nightclub's Latin Night were enjoying their night out, just like any other. Two short hours later, everything would change in those patrons' lives forever. Nobody could have predicted the heartbreaking carnage that would follow.
That night, 29 year old Omar Mateen parked near the nightclub around 2 AM. He carried with him a semi-automatic assault rifle and a pistol. He entered the nightclub at 2:02, and he began firing upon the unsuspecting guests, killing 49 and injuring another 53. By 5:14, Mateen himself would be dead, brought down by Orlando Police.
I still remember waking up in the morning, hearing about this senseless tragedy. I lived in Orlando, just a few years before the shooting. I never went to Pulse, in particular, but I always loved the gay clubs of Orlando. Something hurt different about this shooting, and something felt sick. For many of us, these bars and clubs were the first place we felt comfortable, like we belonged. For someone to take that safe space, and make it unsafe, just added another level of terror to the massacre. This is where we felt safe. This is where we felt loved. This is where we felt welcomed, and he took that away from so many of us that day.
Waking up today was just another reminder, that some people have so much hate in them, they'd rather kill you, than let you be different. It makes you feel like there are no safe spaces in the world. I think it's a reason to take them back, and it starts with each of us. The term "stronger together" never carried as much weight as it has lately. With the Black lives Matter protests, today's anniversary, Juneteenth in a week, and the days leading up to remembering the Stonewall Riots later this month, there's no better time to find our home and to find our voice. We are so much more than the debris we were made to feel like. We are more than flotsam and jetsam, and we will not be cast away.
Flotsam & Jetsam
1.5oz Blended Scotch Whisky
1.5oz Overproof Jamaican Rum
1.5oz Pineapple Rum
.75oz Cinnamon Syrup
.75oz Passion Fruit Syrup
.75oz Ginger Syrup
.75oz Lemon Juice
.75oz Lime Juice
7 dashes Angostura Bitters
Tiki Bowl
Whip Shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice.
Garnish with tea leaf, orchids, parasol, and lemon extracted-filled lemon hull.
Ignite the extract.
*Fire is dangerous, please be careful.*
Standing strong, and standing proud, is important. If we allow ourselves to be silenced, by those who would rather see us dead, we are telling them "It's okay." Now just so you don't think today is all doom & gloom, I did originally get this drink name from The Little Mermaid. Flotsam and Jetsam are the two eel-henchmen of the evil sea-witch, Ursula. Although, you might have some trouble slithering, after drinking this beast. Enjoy this glorious day, and have a toast for those we lost four years ago. Stay safe, stay strong, stand proud,and keep shaking.