Sorry - I misspoke. I should have said "Guess people are off the hook for the first 5 Commandments as long as they observe the last five".
So how is she off the hook?
In my opinion, not having the inclination to at least make a phone call to Mom and inquire about her welfare in months qualifies as something other than "honoring" her.
Disclaimer: Your value belief system might be different.
5.) Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Did you know you can "honour" someone/something without ever committing a physical act (such as picking up the phone). Go look at the original hebrew....honour is something you do in your heart and mind.....it requires no outward physical action....can you read Laura's mind and heart......
In my opinion, not having the inclination to at least make a phone call to Mom and inquire about her welfare in months qualifies as something other than "honoring" her.
Unless mom does not want to be called. Then respecting her wishes would be honoring her.
I do think it is a shame that she didn't but not knowing the inner workings of that family I do not wish to speculate on why or why not. I just hope my future children do not have cause to issue such a statement about me.