Mystery Woman w/Teddy Bears at Grand Floridian Mystery Solved!!

[Magpie]

That's a really interesting comment, Magpie. I guess I am of the opinion that yes, all mental health problems should be fixed, if possible. I suppose that is really what is at the heart of this thread.

I think it's fine to try to fix mental health problems, as long as you aren't risking a person's happiness or making them worse by doing so.

It's a complicated issue, with no one size fits all solution. But my instinct is that when no one is unhappy (not the staff, or the old lady, or even most guests), then "live and let live" is my preferred approach.

First, do no harm.

 

[NHdisneylover]

"problems" should be fixed (or treated as the case may be). In this case I do not see that the mental abnormality poses any problem and therefore there is nothing to fix. You just create problems when you insist that being abnormal is wrong in and of itself.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I haven't read all of this thread by no means but I did read bits & pieces of it.

It strikes me odd that folks get so upset about a lady that hangs out at a resort to enjoy the music & cheer up folks with her bears. As long as the resort doesn't mind & she doesn't case problems I really don't see why it would bother anybody that isn't even there. And just because she is different doesn't mean she is in need of help.

Example: we have a person that lives in our town & he is alittle different. However, everybody in town knows him by his nickname. He loves to get invitations to every wedding that happens & about every baby that is born. He talks to every baby he sees & never meets a stranger. He knows everybody by name. He still lives with his Mom who is really old & only drives in our small towns. He is different, more simple but doesn't need help. He is the reason folks donate to the Fire Dept. He is the reason folks come to the FD fund raisings. He always wants to help out & do stuff so he always gets a simple job to do. He's our "resort lady" & everybody loves him.

Being unique isn't bad. Being different isn't wrong. When I go to the resort for dinner this Dec. if I see her I'll be sure & say hi. No I won't seek her out as a attraction but if I pass by & see her enjoying her time at Disney I'll be thankful that the happiest place on earth doesn't mind her being there.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Being unique isn't bad. Being different isn't wrong. When I go to the resort for dinner this Dec. if I see her I'll be sure & say hi. No I won't seek her out as a attraction but if I pass by & see her enjoying her time at Disney I'll be thankful that the happiest place on earth doesn't mind her being there.

That was a wonderful written post! I will do the same if we see her in December.

 

[Mimi1965]

Ask Susie and Perla if they agree!

.

I think he was OCD also-just as the OP mentioned that her sister Lynn is

(OCD=Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Earlier someone mentioned if the case was reversed-and the person sitting in the lobby was a man -would people still be as caring and letting their children ineract-valid point-and made me think of He Who shall Remain nameless.

 

[eeyoresnr]

And just how many would be understanding if this was a man?

actually....her husband used to go with her and gave out the teddy bears as well....why was it not a problem until Bruce passed away? she used to go with him, now she goes alone...I would think it would be more of a mental issue if Lynn were sitting at home and refused to leave because Bruce is no longer there...

 

[dismom2]

I read all the posts the other day, and I think the story of this woman is heartwarming. I am going to make a special point to seek her out next time we go to DW, and hopefully spend some time talking to her. I don't feel she is harming anyone, but rather spreading happiness around. I hope she knows she has made a positive difference in many people/childrens' lives. I hope she gets as much happiness as she gives.

 

[crashbb]

I think it's fine to try to fix mental health problems, as long as you aren't risking a person's happiness or making them worse by doing so.

It's a complicated issue, with no one size fits all solution. But my instinct is that when no one is unhappy (not the staff, or the old lady, or even most guests), then "live and let live" is my preferred approach.

First, do no harm.

I think it depends on what you consider to be a "mental health problem". Many mental health issues are just extremes of "normal" behaviour. I remember a couple of professors who said that any definition of any mental health problem had to include the requirement that the condition affected normal daily behaviour. So, someone could have tendencies within, for example the ICD-10 definition of OCD, but unless these tendancies affected their ability to function on a daily basis, the professors wouldn't consider that person to have OCD.

So, if this lady is happy spending every day at the GF (and the staff at the GF are happy for her to be there), is it really a mental health problem? It may not be how *we* would choose to live, but I don't see that anywhere in the ICD-10 codes.

 

[eeyoresnr]

"Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children's approach to life. They're people who don't give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought - sometimes it isn't much, either." - Walt Disney

 

[NHdisneylover]

I think it depends on what you consider to be a "mental health problem". Many mental health issues are just extremes of "normal" behaviour. I remember a couple of professors who said that any definition of any mental health problem had to include the requirement that the condition affected normal daily behaviour. So, someone could have tendencies within, for example the ICD-10 definition of OCD, but unless these tendancies affected their ability to function on a daily basis, the professors wouldn't consider that person to have OCD.

So, if this lady is happy spending every day at the GF (and the staff at the GF are happy for her to be there), is it really a mental health problem? It may not be how *we* would choose to live, but I don't see that anywhere in the ICD-10 codes.

This is exactly what I was trying to explain. Out of the ordinary does not HAVE to be a problem. I find it sad that so many people these days think it is a problem which needs treatment when someone is different (yet happy, productive and harmless)

 

[Disney Doll]

I actually saw her when I was there in October...we had dinner at Citrico's one night and she was in the lobby.

She seemed like a lovely lady. I did not speak with her because she was speaking with a little girl, who seemed entranced by the nice lady. And the nice lady seemd entranced by the little girl. It was nice to see.

 

[C.Ann]

I'm not sure how this thread about a nice lady got turned into a debate on YOUR charities you have no clue as to what other people do or don't do and truthfully, it's none of your business why you feel it is your duty to come here and try to make people feel guilty for not wanting to be just like you, is beyond me if you are so concerned about how Lynn donates her time, then might I suggest that next time you go to Disney, you go to the GF and seek her out, and tell her youself how she could be much more useful at a shelter....I for one doubt that will help her remember the good times with the husband she has lost but at this point we ALL know it will make YOU feel better.

Actually, YES, I do talk to complete strangers when I go "gallivanting" around town. It's a simple pleasure of life, and obviously one you have no knowledge of. It makes me a better writer.

You have NO idea if this person's "mental illness" is treated or untreated. You have NO idea what the state of her interpersonal relationships might be. As someone with friends and family who have life-long mental illness, I find your assumptions about a stranger very disturbing - especially if you are a professional. You are seriously overstepping your bounds.

"Treated" does not mean cured. "Treated" does not mean looking like everyone else (no eccentric clothing allowed!). "Treated" does not mean locked up out of sight, either.

You got all snotty at someone for answering your question about whether Lynne was selling teddy bears and then ever since then you've made it very clear that your way of helping people is superior to everyone else's. The majority of the people on this thread are not being mean.

People are hurting and suffering all over the place, not just in homeless shelters.

How do you KNOW that?! There is a lot more to being needy and less-fortunate than simply being in a homeless shelter. Stop being so judgmental

Then don't do it.

Seriously... why do so many people feel that they have the right and responsibility to tell other people what to do with their money?!

Sorry, but I just do not understand alll the commotion over this poor elderly lady

So she hangs out in the GF, who cares????? Is she disrupting your trip by sitting there? Is she running around yelling, throwing bears at you and your kids?

So, if the CM's are OK with it, you really have no right to judge that she has no business being there. & if you don't want to chat with her, than DON'T! & if you want to, go right ahead. It's really not that uncommon for strangers to chat with each other while on vacation, especially at WDW. & we generally do not ask for the stranger's bank account status before we chat with them, so why would it be different with this woman?

and for all those who think this woman is mentally unstable-here is a brainwave for you. I GUARANTEE, at one point in your life, you have waited in line with, sat next to, dined next to, roomed next to guests who have some sort of mental issue. Heck, I suffer from panic attacks. They are under control, but am I not allowed to enjoy WDW because I'm "mentally unstable"? I'll bet most of the people who judged on here either suffer from or know someone who suffers from some sort of mental issue as well. Everyone has baggage of some sort and as long as they are not outwardly spilling it all over you, let people be!

It's really too bad this thread turned so ugly.

strange how the DIS used to be so tame, I find it has changed over the years. Please lighten up people!

A few years ago, we were waiting for our pager to buzz for 1900 Park Faire Dinner, we waited in the main lobby of the GF, DH and older DD went upstair for a pen for her autograph book and younger DD and I just took a seat to listen to the music. We sat down on a couch where an older lady was sitting, and I now realize was Lynn. My youngest DD had just lost her Papa, infact we had buried him 4 days before we arrived at WDW, well she began chatting with the older lady and she really engaged my daughter in the conversation and they were getting along with chit chat. My daughter told her she was sad because her Papa had just died, but we had our vacation scheduled and her Nana said we should still go on our vacation. Well just as our pager went off for dinner and my older DD and DH had just walked over, so they went on to the podium, and the older lady asked me if it would be ok to give my youngest a hug and give her a bear. I said of course she could. Her hug and bear made my daughter feel a bit better that night, I know it put a smile on her face. That was a very difficult trip for my family at the still very fresh wound of saying good bye to my father, but it warmed my heart to know that Lynn with just a simple gesture could put a smile on my baby's face.

How do you know that she doesn't visit homeless shelters and/or donate to them??? You don't, so maybe just maybe you need to STOP stating what the woman should or should not do.

The only person that "KNOWS" this woman is her sister, the original poster of this thread. Shame on people for talking about this woman behind her back like this, like you know her and should be able to state what she needs to be doing. Look within, take care of your own life, donate, spend time with the needy and live your own lives,

That's an understatement. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered by the kind people here.

We don't know that she's doing it "to the exclusion of all other activities", and the nice thing about being a grown up is that you can mostly do what you like - even carry your stuffed animals around, if you want.

I think it's presumptuous to feel sad for someone who is evidently content with their life.

I'm still looking forward to being an Eccentric Old Lady some day, and when sensible adults shake their heads and cluck and mutter about my sanity, I'll just laugh.

WHY is it unhealthy? What line does it cross? Is the woman unhappy? Is she letting her physical health or hygiene go? IS she hurting anyone or anything with her behaviour?

Seriously, who gets to make up the "line into unhealthy behaviour"? If the line is not being unhappy, or hurting yourself or others or being unable to care for yourself, but simply acting differently then who gets to decide what is allowed and what is not? I would not want to live in a world where ANYone had that power.

------------------------------------------------------

He's in his 30s now. He was banned because people harassed, mocked and tormented him until he started fighting back. .

Don't know if you have noticed, but in the past 11 months or so, quite a few posters have left (not been banned) because they weren't allowed to respond to the childish folks here who think that type of behavior is acceptable.. I have spent a lot of time - PMing and emailing with victims (and yes - they are victims) - encouraging them to stay.. Some have, a lot haven't.. And their tormentors? The same "adults" who are over-the-top with their claims that they have done such a wonderful job of pointing out to their own children how "bad" cyber bullying is - and they should never, ever engage in it.. Hopefully those same kids aren't reading what their parents are posting here..

It's a complicated issue, with no one size fits all solution. But my instinct is that when no one is unhappy (not the staff, or the old lady, or even most guests), then "live and let live" is my preferred approach.

First, do no harm.

It strikes me odd that folks get so upset about a lady that hangs out at a resort to enjoy the music & cheer up folks with her bears. As long as the resort doesn't mind & she doesn't case problems I really don't see why it would bother anybody that isn't even there. And just because she is different doesn't mean she is in need of help.

Being unique isn't bad. Being different isn't wrong. When I go to the resort for dinner this Dec. if I see her I'll be sure & say hi..

actually....her husband used to go with her and gave out the teddy bears as well....why was it not a problem until Bruce passed away? she used to go with him, now she goes alone...I would think it would be more of a mental issue if Lynn were sitting at home and refused to leave because Bruce is no longer there...

I read all the posts the other day, and I think the story of this woman is heartwarming. I am going to make a special point to seek her out next time we go to DW, and hopefully spend some time talking to her. I don't feel she is harming anyone, but rather spreading happiness around. I hope she knows she has made a positive difference in many people/childrens' lives. I hope she gets as much happiness as she gives.

 

[wvjules]

Strange thread about a strange lady in a lobby of a hotel.

 

[Magpie]

I think it depends on what you consider to be a "mental health problem". Many mental health issues are just extremes of "normal" behaviour. I remember a couple of professors who said that any definition of any mental health problem had to include the requirement that the condition affected normal daily behaviour. So, someone could have tendencies within, for example the ICD-10 definition of OCD, but unless these tendancies affected their ability to function on a daily basis, the professors wouldn't consider that person to have OCD.

So, if this lady is happy spending every day at the GF (and the staff at the GF are happy for her to be there), is it really a mental health problem? It may not be how *we* would choose to live, but I don't see that anywhere in the ICD-10 codes.

This is exactly what I was trying to explain. Out of the ordinary does not HAVE to be a problem. I find it sad that so many people these days think it is a problem which needs treatment when someone is different (yet happy, productive and harmless)

I agree with you both!

 

[Family Fun Mom]

When we were on vacation this summer in Michigan's Harbor Country we noticed a man sitting in a chair on the corner of the small town's busiest intersection (small town=not very busy at all, BTW). He was there every night of our week's stay so I asked a local merchant about him. His name is George and he is that town's "Lynn." He sits on the corner in his camp chair, listens to the White Sox game, and talks to the locals and tourists. He also never met a stranger. He was a delightful man. People like Lynn and George add character and charm to a place. They are not not mentally ill and they pose a threat to no one.

Can you imagine how bland and vanilla the world would be without them?

 

[nancyjvanwyk]

Everybody needs a social outlet and somebody to have a conversation with. The older you get, the more friends and companions you lose. There really is nothing wrong with sitting and hoping somebody may come and chat with you.
Every weekend when my husband and I go to the grocery store we always try to smile and say hello to elderly folks who are their by themselves and believe me we actually get into a lot of conversations as they are happy to have somebody that seems to be approachable to have a little light conversation.
It sounds like Lynn is just fine. She is not staying home being depressed. She is not trying to save the world. She is just trying to stay social. And it does seem to make older folks feel younger to be around somebody that is younger---what better place than Disney to see some smiling young faces.

 

[splashmtnfan]

I read all the posts the other day, and I think the story of this woman is heartwarming. I am going to make a special point to seek her out next time we go to DW, and hopefully spend some time talking to her. I don't feel she is harming anyone, but rather spreading happiness around. I hope she knows she has made a positive difference in many people/childrens' lives. I hope she gets as much happiness as she gives.

We are going in December and of course we will go see the gingerbread house... and LYNN!

 

[disneydance]

Honestly I've never met Lynn before but she seriously makes my heart happy, she sounds like what Disney is and I think the Grand Floridian is extremely fortunate to have her. She makes me smile, honestly older people love socialization and I think the Grand Floridian gives that to Lynn and she's giving her own Disney magic to guests she seems to be exactly what Disney is. The next time I'm at WDW I would love to meet this lady she sounds amazings.

 

[NHdisneylover]

We are going in December and of course we will go see the gingerbread house... and LYNN!

I know your heart is in the right place, but please reconsider this attitude. I just don't think it is appropriate to consider this woman as an attraction in the same way that a large holiday decoration is. If you run into her, consider yourself lucky, and treat her with all the respect and kindness she deserves. Seeking her out, as if she is a character like Cinderella or something, seems demeaning and to some extent dehumanizing though (I mean, she is not playing a role, this is really her--KWIM?).
That's my opinion anyway--I have been bothered primarily by those on this thread who consider Lynn to be a problem but I have also really been bothered by those who seem to have turned her into some sort of attraction to see right up there with riding Dumbo and getting Peter pan's autograph.

 

[bobaloo000]

Wow, I don't post often but this thread took a twist I was not expecting. To be honest I'm just happy to know her story. I've seen her several times but I was unsure if she was a CM playing a part because she blended into the GF so well. I'm happy to hear she's found some happiness for herself.