Busy? Bet we're all whizzing around, queuing, spending, arguing - generally getting anxious about Christmas or for some, Eid.

Plans to make, lists to write, cards to write and send, menus, shopping and all this in and around our busy as usual lives.

Perhaps we're too busy? Perhaps this period gives us a chance to chill out and relax. I doubt it.

My mum's not too well in hospital. It's meant every other day dawdles down the M6 for me and others.

The 120 or so miles can take 2, 3 or more hours - the record being 7 hours!

When I get there, sometimes pretty agitated, there's things to do, my mum to sit with (she's often asleep) but also hospital staff to see, listen to, ask questions of.

Heartlands Hospital and the Yardley Great Trust have utterly brilliant people working for them - doctors, nurses and other staff and care and support workers too.

I can't speak too highly of them - they have the mission of care for their charges at the heart of how they are.

They are angels, performing miracles.

They are patient with their patients and all around them.

Not always easy people to deal with, often frail or distressed. Or their family and friends.

My Mum's small circle of friends has also been hugely supportive and welcoming.

It's all made me think about our humdrum lives.

Let's spare a thought (and a cheer) for those in our society who spend their lives looking after those of us who need their good and best attentions.

Do you have angels who help you?