A story my grandfather told me when I was 10… I finally understand it now.

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I was around 10 or 11 years old when my maternal grandfather told me a story. At the time, I thought it was completely absurd. But years later, I realized he was right all along.

He said that after creating the world, God first created four creatures: humans, dogs, oxen, and owls. He gave each of them a lifespan of 40 years. After some time, God called them and asked whether they were satisfied with their lives.

The ox spoke first:

“Oh God, I am not satisfied with my life. I have to do very hard work like ploughing fields and carrying heavy loads. Please reduce my lifespan by half.”

God agreed.

Then came the dog:

“Oh God, I only bark at people and wander around. My life feels useless. Please reduce my lifespan.”

God agreed to this as well.

Next came the owl:

“Oh God, I am not satisfied either. I can only see in the dark and feel completely useless. Please reduce my life by half.”

God agreed.

Finally, it was the human’s turn. Being intelligent—and a bit greedy—the human said:

“Oh God, I am also not satisfied. I do everything, yet I only live for 40 years. Please give me more life.”

God agreed.

So God gave the remaining 20 years from each of the other three creatures to humans—first the ox’s years, then the dog’s, and finally the owl’s—making the total human lifespan 100 years.

But here’s the catch:

Humans truly live their own life only for the first 40 years. During this time, they enjoy life with parents, friends, and family.

Then come the next 20 years—the ox’s years—from their 40s to 60s. In this phase, people are burdened with responsibilities. They work hard, take care of their families, and rarely get time for themselves.

After that come the dog’s years—from their 60s to 80s. People grow older, become more irritable, complain often, and sometimes behave stubbornly, almost like children.

Finally, come the owl’s years—from their 80s onward. People grow weak and often remain unaware of what’s happening around them, much like an owl in daylight.

My grandfather passed away on Nirjala Ekadashi seven years ago.

If he were alive today, I would tell him just one thing—

Grandpa, you were right all along.