This letter is in response to “Enforce mask rules, give to the needy,” published Aug. 5, 2020.

I’d like to respond to the angry letter writer who ranted about a “selfish neighbor” in Rainier Trails throwing a party several weeks ago. First of all, that “selfish” person, who the writer has never met, is one of the kindest, most generous people around, and who I’m fairly certain does much more for this community than the person judging her. And that party was a graduation celebration for her wonderful son, who had the last half of his senior year decimated.

The letter writer claims that the party infringed on her right to enjoy the neighborhood walking path, a statement that is completely false. Yes, there were children playing touch football and young adults playing volleyball in the large open field, but none of them were anywhere close to the walking path. In fact, several in the neighborhood walked the path while the field was being used, many of them smiling and waving as they passed.

There were many people at the outdoor party, all healthy. Some wore masks. Many didn’t. Nobody was compelled to attend. Everyone understood the risk involved, and everyone respected others’ wishes regarding distancing. And guess what. Weeks later all are still healthy.

I’m sorry for the letter writer’s anger toward her neighbors and the Enumclaw Police Department, but I’m having a hard time understanding how this gathering had any negative impact on her. Maybe she just doesn’t want to see other people having fun.

Matthew Jay McCully

Enumclaw