Note: F-holes are the openings in the upper sound board of a stringed musical instrument. Like people, the sound holes can have different shapes.

I do not play cello. But cello lives somewhere around me and finds me as a listener, an appreciator, a friend. I used to play piano as a boy with dreams of following music to wherever it might lead. And now, I am blessed with granddaughters who may play cello for their 'Papa G.'

Some days as a prelude to my morning ritual of waking Dagma from her sleep-I find the string of a soft, cello serenade to accompany my touch of cheek or fingertips. An then her waking mouth is seduced into a smile. "Good morning Dagma." Not a bad way to come to work...or play.

When I hear Yo-Yo Ma play Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major—or Saint-Saëns, The Swan—at any time of day—he stills and awakens me. He walks me through dark passages, within me and without, in spiritual ecstasy to mystical destinations.