I love sequels...up to a point. Then, they can get ridiculous. But having said that, it's really in the hands of the author. My favorite kind of sequel is a character that steps outside him/herself in the next series and does something completely out of their norm for a chance at reaching their goals or love or whatever. Because I believe that sometimes, we really have to push ourselves out of our comfort zone to gain a new strength or understanding. These kinds of sequels are the best.
I have redefined myself over and over again. I have marveled at my own resilience, been through heart-breaking events. Battling breast cancer and losing my mother and 11 year old niece in a tragic car accident while I was recovering was one of the most re-defining moments of my life. I had to think about how we affect others, how to re-evaluate my goals, re-think my relationships. It changed me to my core. I used to think I could forgive anything, but I realized it's much easier said than done; and the one I found hardest to forgive was myself. I should have been there when it happened to help dad, and so forth. The biggest thing I learned through it all is that regardless of what happens, keeping focused on the relationships that we have is crucial...friends and family. Thank God for them all.
A hero should be someone that can laugh at herself, has a gift for making everyone feel at ease. I don't believe you have to do some hugely, fantastic hero feat to be classified as one. I believe we can all be heroes in some small way every day; whether it's taking the time to help someone who's lost, making someone feel better about themselves, being a positive influence on your kids, or just making someone who's not feeling well something good to eat.