My daughter turns 5 this coming week.

Not that it's a big deal to anyone other than those of us she's around every day, but I have to stop and ask myself "How did this happen and why does time move faster as my kids get older?"

It's a horrible dilemma for a parent, and a reminder that time does not stand still. Instead, it beats incessantly to the sounds of children laughing, giggling and playing.

But it wasn't too long ago that I was afraid of having a little girl to call my very own.

After all, having a girl means girlie stuff, like lipstick, hairdos, piggy-tails and dress-up, and reading about being a princess! Not to mention the real-world wedding a father is expected to pay for.

Well, I can assure you that yes, all of those things and more are involved with raising a daughter. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

My daughter embodies everything that is fun in life. She has a sense of humor that is borderline mischievous, while at the same time, a sensitive side that rivals that of a saint.

Knowing that no matter what happened during the day, Mia will be there to make me laugh like a kid at Kennywood makes my heart race and my eyes light up with joy. What a wonderful gift to be given everyday!

Similarly, I know that no matter what kind of day she's having (yes, you can have a bad day when you're 5) I can make her giggle and feel special. It's a gift that I don't take for granted, but something I love to do daily.

And therein rests the real issue: I want it to stay this way forever, but she's not really cooperating by getting older each day!

Every parent recognizes this awful trend of children getting older while we stay the same age, but no one knows how to stop it from happening.

How do I provide ample opportunities for her to explore life and have fun, while at the same time, protect her from all of the hard lessons life is going to throw her way? On the same note, how do I keep her this age forever and still be considered a responsible parent?

It can't be done. And frankly, it shouldn't be done. Part of being a responsible parent is allowing your children to grow up. In turn, God gives us a chance to continue growing as parents by allowing our roles to evolve over time from guardian, to dictator, to adviser and eventually (hopefully) friend.

And that's my concern. Mia is one of my best friends right now, and she's only 5. Is it responsible parenting to allow a 5-year-old be your best friend?

Absolutely, and I don't care what the "experts" tell me.

My daughter has taught me to live life with passion in my heart, joy on my face and a dance in my step. Picking flowers every day brings happiness, even when the flowers are dandelions and nothing goes better on top of a cookie than more sugar.

Exercise includes belly flops into an inflatable pool and art is coloring — and humming the parts of song you don't know still counts for singing.

My daughter is my friend and it's her birthday this week. I hope that we can celebrate it every day for many years to come and I hope that each of you have someone like Mia in your life. Happy birthday princess. I love you.