The 18th Hole in Our Hearts

Today, September 18th is the fifth month mark since Ned's accident. This number will always be imprinted in my memory with its terrible significance. Here are the various cultural meanings ascribed to the number eighteen according to Wikipedia, where I get all my information ;):

• The Hindu epic Mahabharata has eighteen sections, involves eighteen armies and is about a war fought over eighteen days.
• The sacred literature of the Hindus known as Bhagavad Gita has eighteen chapters.
• In some countries the number 18 means blood (relative).
• The Hebrew word for "life" is חי (chai), which has a numerical value of 18. Consequently, the custom has arisen in Jewish circles to give donations and monetary gifts in multiples of 18 as an expression of blessing for long life.
• In Chinese tradition, the number 18, normally 十八 (shí bā), can also be read as 幺八 (yāo bā), which sounds like 要发 (yào fā), meaning that one is going to prosper. Thus, building floors numbered "18" are often very expensive in China.
• In the Chinese mythos, Hell has 18 levels.
• In Chinese folklore, the Shaolin temple had a group of 18 Bronze Monks. Initiates could only be considered full graduates of Shaolin martial arts if they could defeat them in combat.
• In many parts of the world, 18 is the age minimum for purchasing tobacco and alcoholic beverages. It is also the voting age in many countries. During the Vietnam War, Americans could be drafted at an age as low as 18.
• In 1990 Megadeth released Hangar 18 as a single for the Rust in Piece Album.
• A 2002 album by electronic artist Moby.
• The number of holes in a stipulated round of golf.