Emily Rapoza’s father has approved her engagement. The chapel has been chosen. The reception has been planned. The dress and ring have been selected. The only thing missing is the groom. Rapoza’s boyfriend hasn’t proposed yet, she said.
The Ball State freshman has dated her boyfriend, Kurt Luithy, for 24 months, only seven of which she has actually seen him. Rapoza’s husband-to-be is in the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, which forces them to be 1,141 miles apart.
The couple survived a five-month test when Luithy’s training required relational silence just two months into the relationship.
“It is always heartbreaking to say goodbye to Kurt when he leaves,” Rapoza said. “A couple of hours after he is gone, I finally realize it.”
Rapoza wants to graduate in three years in order to keep her wedding date in line: two days after graduation.
Rapoza’s roommate Daniela Sorrell has watched Rapoza and Luithy interact this year and feels they are a good match.
“The marriage is far enough into the future that I don’t think they will be too young to get married,” Sorrell said. “They definitely love each other. I can see it when she talks about him.”
Being away at the academy has made it difficult on Luithy to ask Rapoza to marry him because of the lack of time they have together, Rapoza said.
“Kurt has already changed the way he was going to ask me to marry him twice,” Rapoza said. “First he was going to ask me at home, then thought about asking me in Colorado while hiking. It is just a waiting game now for him to ask me to marry him.”
While Kurt is away at the academy, Rapoza keeps herself busy with 18 credit hours and a full-time summer job.
“I try to keep things in perspective and not freak out,” Rapoza said.
To keep communication strong with Luithy, Rapoza finds time to text, chat online and send comic notes.
“Kurt is incredible; he has no limitations,” Rapoza said. “He will do anything to make me laugh when I am having a bad day. He has tried to tie his shoe to his ear while on video chat.”
Although Rapoza does not consider the thought a breakup, the two have discussed it.
“So much of my life revolves around the academy now, I can’t imagine things ending,” Rapoza said. “I am looking forward to my future with Kurt to travel and finally be with him.”
The big day without the big question
