It’s 6 O’clock, and time for Everybody Loves Raymond, my all-time favorite sitcom. I suppose I was a sitcom late-bloomer, because I didn’t discover the Barone family until early in 2005. Where had I been? Why was I so late to finally make their wonderful acquaintance? These two questions burn a hole in my psyche, and I have never found the proper answer, however, I have tried to make amends by never missing a Raymond episode from that time forward.

For those of you who have never met the Barone’s (could that be possible?) allow me to extend to you an introduction. Everybody Loves Raymond was an American sitcom originally broadcast on CBS from 1996 to 2005. It was one of the most critically acclaimed American sitcoms of its time, and can now be seen daily in reruns.

The show revolved around the life of Italian/American Ray Barone, a newspaper sportswriter from Lynnbrook, Long Island, with wife Debra and three children. To make the plot more intense, Ray’s parents, Marie and Frank, live across the street with brother, Robert, and his girlfriend, Amy, as frequent visitors.

I, as thousand of others, made a direct connection with the Barone family. Now, I suppose you wonder how a wonderful Irish/American family such as mine compares with this quirky Italian/American family? It’s very simple.

You see, we ARE the Barone’s! The Barone’s/McKee’s of Mississippi, that is.

There are too many consistencies between the Barone and the McKee families for us not to be at least “kissing cousins.” I’ve said that over-and-over, plus, of course, the Italian/Americans are not alone with quirkiness, although, I must quickly add, I am not as quirky as Marie, the Barone Mom. No, and not nearly as overbearing either … of this, I am positive.

Let’s compare the stats:

Two Barone sons — Two McKee sons

Two Barone daughter-in-laws — Two McKee daughter-in-laws

Three perfect Barone grandchildren — Two perfect McKee grandchildren (I’m working on this one).

Frank Barone — My McKee husband

Marie Barone — Me

Did I mention that I am not as difficult as Marie? I must add that I am neither as old and plump as Marie, however, we are both blondes, good cooks, and, if I may say so myself, very charming women. Just ask Marie.

Now, I do love Raymond, but I will admit that Robert is my very favorite Barone. He is so sweet and innocent, while seemingly more like a big, hairy bear, but his sweetness comes through even as a surprise to him, I’ve noticed. I have suffered with Robert as he searched for his “real love” and finally I celebrated, with the entire Barone family, when he married sweet little Amy.

I have joined the Barone family for dinner many times as I sat at the table, and enjoyed stimulating yet crazy conversations — so like a McKee dinner table. The only difference for the guys is the McKee conversation isn’t so much about the game at the stadium, but about the game over at the hunting club … small difference, I’m thinking, as I join Debra, Amy and Marie with a most animated discussion all concerning our aggravations with the guys … now that’s universal!

Marie and Frank have been married a long time, and Marie can give graphic advice about how their marriage has survived for the many years … mainly she says, “You learn to live with it.” But then, little Ally, Michael and Geoffrey run into the room, and throw their arms around her, making her know the joys of family, and the extreme joy of grandmother-hood, just as I am Blessed to know.

Debra is one smart cookie, just like my daughter-in-laws. She is a very caring mother, and really loves her family, even Frank and Marie. In the eyes of Marie, Debra’s main flaw is lack of cooking knowledge, as Marie considers herself a world class cook. In comparison with the McKee household there has never been competitive cooking agendas … we have always relied on my husband’s grill expertise, and also eating out, with eating out being our number one preference … as spoken by a real McKee.

In this popular television program I can see, even through the hoot of humor, and entertaining plots, a clear message of uplifting the importance of family, and I like that. The syndication of this American award winning comedy spreads from Argentina to Romania, from Thailand to Iceland, Pakistan, South Africa, and all points in between. It is the recipient of over 15 Emmy Awards, plus Golden Globe Awards, and The Screen Actors Guild, however, I believe, the most important award would have to be found in the hearts of their American audiences.

Oh my goodness … was that Marie barging in my door, and Frank yelling, “Holy Crap?” It must be my-Raymond-time-of-the-day…prepare for hearty laughter and the luxury of quality yet quirky family time as life goes on with the Barone’s of Long Island, New York, and the McKee’s of Lauderdale County, Mississippi … stay tuned until we meet again.