I honestly mean't no harm in that post, it was a misunderstanding.
I haven't read the rest of this thread so maybe this will be a repeat. I kind of hope it is because it will validate what I'm saying even more than life's experiences already have.
You're going to make mistakes in your life, man. It happens. Sometimes, it causes damage when you make mistakes. Sometimes, that damage is minimal and sometimes, it's more extreme. In this case, it's pretty minimal, maybe up to barely middle-of-the-road damage. While the damage is no less real just because it's the internet, remember . . .
. . . it's the internet. It's not that big of a deal, really. Those of us here who considered you a friend will accept your profuse apology and will still be your friends. That's a good thing and you should see it that way and run with it.
Others are, well, just people on the internet. It doesn't mean they aren't real people and it doesn't mean they don't have feelings which have been ground up. It's unfortunate, but it happens. Still, if they choose to keep grinding YOU up in a vindictive rage, that's their choice. There are people out there who cannot get past their anger and find it in their hearts to accept reconciliation. Since you can't change them or their reaction to you as a person who made a mistake, don't let it bother you. You've done everything you can possibly do to reconcile that mistake.
Well, you can probably do more but don't stress out about it. Do what you can. Don't bemoan the fact that some people will continue to despise you. Again, it happens. You can never and will never make everyone happy all the time.
What you do have to do is move on. If you need a break from the board, take it. But do it only because YOU feel you need it, not because others are telling you to get lost. I hope there isn't much of that going on. If there is, you'll have to build a tougher skin and let it all bounce off. As a police officer, you're going to need it.
For the record, I jumped down your throat myself. For that, I apologize. For the record, I accept your apology and offer you a friendly handshake and a hug. You're still a brother here. Indeed, you may find that you'll solidify some friendships you didn't know you had. Stay tough, bro. You're young and that's okay. This will all make sense or so they tell me.
--Wag--