That sounds like a real treasure, like a living diary. The first thing I’d do is gently clean it, just enough to get rid of dust but careful not to disturb the fragile fibers. Then, maybe a light, neutral fixative spray could help lock in the pattern. If it’s faded, a very subtle colorant that matches the original shade might revive the lace without looking modern. And keep a detailed log—each tiny step, what you tried, and how the lace reacted. That way you’re honoring its story while giving it a new life. Good luck!