In a heartfelt act of generosity, a pianist from Ham Lake diagnosed with ALS has found a new purpose for her grand piano. Linda Dieken, who has been battling the debilitating disease, chose to donate her beloved instrument to the Salvation Army Worship Center in Brooklyn Park.
Dieken, who started tickling the ivories at age 5, had her musical journey abruptly interrupted by ALS, a condition that has largely robbed her of the ability to play. Despite these challenges, Dieken decided to joyously give her piano away after an arsonist set fire to the Brooklyn Park church last year. Speaking to FOX 9, she revealed, "When the time comes, I know where I’m going, I get to go to heaven. And the joy I have knowing where this piano gets to go, I’m thrilled."
Linda pointed out the higher calling she felt when making the decision to donate. She told KARE 11, “I knew, that was God’s plan to give this piano to them.” The piano's removal from Linda's home was a significant moment, encapsulating her years of musical passion and her father's dedication to the Salvation Army, highlighted by the collection of his bell-ringing awards.
The donation has resonated deeply with the Salvation Army community. Captain Daniel 'TJ' Simmons expressed his gratitude for the unexpected gift. Impressed with both the quality of the instrument and the story behind it, he shared with FOX 9, "The piano is a great gift, but she’s really the gift." The piano, now finely tuned, played a pivotal role during the church's Lucia Fest, enchanting the congregation with a performance of "Silent Night", a far cry from the silence that befell the previous damaged piano.
