Christine Dawood, a grieving mother, and wife, recently shared her emotional account of her son Suleman’s love for solving Rubik’s Cubes and his ill-fated journey aboard the Titan submersible.
During her first interview since the tragedy, Dawood revealed on Sunday, June 25, that her 19-year-old son had a deep passion for Rubik’s Cubes and could solve the puzzle in an impressive 12 seconds, as reported by CNN. Suleman was inseparable from his Rubik’s Cube and carried it with him wherever he went.
In a heart-wrenching statement to the BBC, Dawood shared that her son had expressed his excitement about solving the Rubik’s Cube 3,700 meters below the sea while exploring the wreckage of the Titanic. Suleman’s determination to conquer the puzzle was evident as he taught himself solving techniques by watching instructional videos on YouTube.
Dawood also fondly remembered her husband, Shahzada, whom she met at university. Describing his insatiable curiosity about the world, she mentioned how he would gather the family to watch documentaries, fostering a sense of childlike excitement and wonder.
The family had long planned a trip aboard the Titan submersible, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they had to postpone their adventure. Initially, Dawood and Shahzada intended to go on the journey together, considering Suleman was too young at the time. However, Suleman’s enthusiasm and desire to explore led them to change their plans.
Dawood willingly stepped aside, allowing her son to embark on the adventure he had eagerly awaited. The interview also touched upon the tragic turn of events. Dawood recounted the moment when the Polar Prince support vessel, carrying her, her 17-year-old daughter Alina, and others, received the devastating news of the lost communication with the Titan submersible.
Initially, the gravity of the situation didn’t fully register, but as time passed, hope dwindled. After the 96-hour mark, Dawood messaged her family, acknowledging that she was preparing for the worst.
At that point, she accepted the loss of hope. The Dawood family had clung to optimism, believing that the submersible would resurface. Unfortunately, their worst fears were confirmed when search teams discovered debris from the implosion of the Titan submersible.
Faced with an uncertain future, Dawood expressed doubts about ever finding closure. The void left by the loss of her loved ones felt insurmountable. However, she and Alina made a solemn promise to learn to solve the Rubik’s Cube in honor of Suleman, their beloved son, and brother. They saw it as a way to keep his memory alive and honor his passion for the puzzle.
Additionally, the Dawood family is determined to continue Shahzada’s impactful work and uphold his legacy. Shahzada was actively involved in various endeavors, extending help to numerous individuals. Dawood expressed her commitment to preserving her late husband’s values and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of providing a platform for their daughter, Alina, to continue his work.
The family’s prominent business, Dawood Hercules Corp., spanning energy, petrochemicals, fertilizers, information technology, and food and agriculture, will serve as a cornerstone for preserving Shahzada’s legacy and furthering his contributions.
Christine Dawood’s interview offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Suleman, the Rubik’s Cube enthusiast, and Shahzada, the curious explorer. Their dreams and aspirations were tragically cut short by the Titan submersible disaster. As the Dawood family grapples with profound loss, they find solace in remembering their loved ones and embarking on personal journeys that honor their passions
