Hello Anna, those were very tough times and Russia, and many of my students tell me that the older generation wants to forget them altogether. Personally, I think we need to remember these tough times so that younger generations don't make the same mistakes. 

The Denunciation and an Unexpected Meeting with the Informer. Part 2 of 3

In 1949, my grandfather, Panteley Permyakov, was jailed as were many of his compatriots, because the Soviet Union had developed a culture of informing in those days. My grandfather was convicted of theft/fraud when a the small inventory shortage in the store was discovered, because after he sold food on credit to widows with children.

In prison, my grandfather was nearly killed by thugs, but the crime boss (the chief bandit?, the godfather?, рус. жаргон "пахан" - преступник, имеющий власть) [in popular culture this person is also called "The Man"] saved him from death. My grandfather had a was very hard time in the prison, so he didn't like to remember talk about this time. The His wife and four children were looked forward to his return.

In 1953, my grandfather was released from prison. I don't know precisely exactly whether if he stayed served his prison sentence completely (отсидел свой срок полностью) or if he was released under an amnesty in connection with the death of Joseph Stalin.

Here is a shot that was taken in order to send it to my grandfather. The picture shows his wife and children, his sister, and his mother-in-law.