Grandmother grieves after her grandson was killed in a Waukesha County crash

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The holidays, while for many a happy time, also see just as many people dealing with grief and sadness. 

A Milwaukee grandmother is finding comfort in her congregation after her grandson was killed in a car crash days before Christmas.

Today, inside Praise Temple Church on 61st and Capitol, there was healing happening. 

"I knew God's presence would be here and give me strength during this difficult time," said Waunda Eison. 

Waunda Eison wiped away tears for her first grandson, Paul Eison-Vinson. 

"Even at 10 he would sit on my lap. This is hard. He wasn't just my grandson; he was my baby."

She helped raised him and called him "Baby Paul."

"I'm gonna miss him."

But she is not alone. 

Everyone in the small congregation was grieving him together on Christmas Eve. The church pastor remembered his love for percussion in the corner. 

"No matter what I was doing or where I was, he always found me and gave me a big hug. And he loved to play the drums. I would enjoy watching him play the drums because he had a beat of his own. And sometimes he would sneak up here before his grandparents could catch him," said Pastor Faye Sims.

"I know he's with God, I know he's in a better place. He knew I loved him. He loved me," said Eison. 

Six people were in a car on Wednesday, Dec. 20, driving from Minnesota, when Waukesha County Deputies say they tried to pull the driver over for speeding. The driver had his three young kids, a 14-year-old niece, and girlfriend in the car with him. 

With three warrants out for his arrest, instead of stopping, he kept going. The Waukesha County Sheriff said he was driving so fast; deputies could barely see his car during the chase. 

That is until he crashed at Gold Road East of Graywood lane, killing Paul and his half-brother Zapaulion. 

"Him and Paul were really close," said Waunda Eison. 

"I called the coroner's office to release his body, and I just wanted to know that he didn't suffer. That he went quickly. She reassured me that that was the case." said Eison. 

Eison had a word of forgiveness for the driver, Paul's father, even though he isn't her son. 

"He loved those boys. And I don't believe he did it intentionally. He wasn't thinking. We all make mistakes," said Eison. 

That message was reiterated in today's service. 

"Everybody grieves differently. Some people just need a good hug, and others need a good word," said Pastor Faye Sims. 

Having both, Waunda Eison found the strength she was looking for this Christmas Eve. 

"I feel like I got renewed in my spirit that everything is going to be alright, that I am going to see Paul again."

After losing her baby Paul, if she can find the strength of love and forgiveness, Eison believes you can, too.

"Tell your family and your children that you can love them on a daily basis because you never know when you won't see them again. Just forgive and let go. Just love your family, because that's all we got."

The family said Paul's funeral will be on Jan. 6. Three days before that would have been his 11th birthday. 

His mother and grandma got him a video game and a gaming chair for Christmas.

The driver's 6-year-old daughter and 14-year-old niece are in critical condition. 

Charges against the driver, Paul's father, are expected to come after Christmas.