sd-7 "I used to wonder why the "tree of life" wasn't still around somewhere if the Garden of Eden existed. "
The "tree of life" is not an actual "tree". The phrase is a metaphor. Much like today when we refer to our lineage as the "family tree" we are not referring to the old oak in the backyard.
The "tree of life" represents those who were meant to be the teachers of the first humans. The first humans were free to "take from this tree" at any time. They were only banned from going to this tree, these "teachers", after having made a conscious choice to choose a different leader.