According to Jacqueline Banchero, "nothing prepares you for heaven like family."

The local author has written "Coded Blue," a book about her father's battle with lung cancer and the last four weeks of his life. The narrative tells about her family coming together to care for her father, despite struggles they had dealt with in the past.

Readers with aging parents or dying friends will be able to relate to Banchero's experience.

"Writing 'Code Blue' I came upon many truths but one stands out: we withhold so much from our loved ones especially those that hurt us the most," said Bancheros. "What’s amazing is when we are fully present and mindful of our surroundings, life will present moments of forgiveness, healing, laughter, sadness and love."