TALLAHASSEE - Every day, without fail, on her way home, Tammie Dorsey makes the turn off Capital Circle SW. By the property entrance, just to the right, stands the sign - not that she ever needs a reminder - SOUTHSIDE CEMETERY.

After proceeding through the gate, she drives the same dreaded route to the southeast corner. She gets out of her truck, walks to the familiar spot and stares at the engraving in the cement grave marker:

KEELEY MAURICE DORSEY
AUG 5 1987 - JAN 17 2007

Surrounding her son’s name are the yellow flowers she placed there. Yellow was Keeley’s favorite color.

Tammie talks to Keeley. She lets him know how his brothers, Markell and Nahriek, are doing. Inevitably the tears start falling as the same question pounds inside her head.

Why Keeley?

He was only 19, Tammie sobs. He was a good kid, living his dream. Going to college and playing football. He did all the right things. Why Keeley?

Tammie Dorsey has asked that question for more than 29 months, since she got the phone call on Jan. 17, 2007. It’s the question no one - family, friends, coaches, doctors - can answer.

This fall was supposed to be Keeley Dorsey’s senior year at the University of South Florida. His time to shine.

For the rest of my story on Dorsey that is in Sunday’s Tampa Tribune, please click on this link.