Taking a Break

I have been here on DS for over 2 years.  I joined 3 basic support groups.  One being Depression because I had a nervous breakdown in 1985, was diagnosed with severe depression in 1995 and I began to do better, got of Medication ,etc, then, my son was killed in 2005 and I relapsed.  Two, I joined Breakups and Divorce Group because I had been through a divorce that ended very bad.  I felt I was able to comment and give advice in this group even though I was bad mouthed by some for joining because I had since remarried,  Thirdly,I joined the Bereavement Group due to the loss of my 37 year old son in July of 2005.  I did my best to console and to encourage those who had lost their loved ones.  I tried to be a shoulder to lean on in all 3 of these Support Groups because I too, had been where these people had been.  Many requested my friendship and never wrote me again after I approved the friendship.  Many of these people shared their hearts desires and I spent many late nights talking with them and encouraging them.  These same people then began ti ignore me, failed to answer my messages, ignored my hugs, ignored my pleas for them to contact me.  This hurt me because I had opened my heart to them and done my best to help them in any and every way I could. I never hid the fact that I was a Pastor/Minister.  it's in my profile.  I stated that I was not a judgmental preacher and that I never looked down on anyone.  I have maintained that throughout my time here on DS.  I was told today that "preachers here on DS aren't very well accepted" and I guess that may be more truthful than I had anticipated.  Wally has left and Roger the Minister had had thoughts of leaving DS too.  I am not surprised.  I never brow beat anyone, I never preached at anyone or tried to cram my Faith down anyone's throat.  I have never been like that but, I guess most people think all preachers fit into the same mold. I wish people could have know the real me, the genuine love I had for people, and the desire I had to be there for them when needed.  God Bless all of you and I thank you for the opportunity of at least giving me a chance to try and make a difference and be a friend that I never had, when I went through some of the darkest days in my life.