Opinions to paint or not

so my mom painted this teddy bear lamp and hooked up the lighting for it when I was a baby. Its been through hell between me and my younger siblings. I want to use it for my son now but its all chipped and not looking his best. My issue is my mom die last September unexpectedly and I'm having such a hard time with even the thought of painting over something she did. I thought I'd be better about it but now that I have it all cleaned up and ready for the new electric bits, I just cry thinking about covering up. I know she would have told me to repaint it or done it herself. I just dont know the right thing to do. So what would you guys do?

Thanks everyone! I will leave him just how he is and clear coat it so no more chips happen!