Every time I think he's out of my life he comes back! What do I do?

This is a long story but I'll try to keep it short. I'm literally out of answers for this dilemma I've been having for a while. Two years ago this summer I studied abroad with other American students and met a guy I really liked. We hung out all the time and really got to know each other and still keep in contact. The problem is we're in college/grad school in different parts of the country so for the time being our only option is a long-distance relationship.

There will be weeks when I hear nothing from him and I think I've forgetten about him but like clock work he pops back in my life and when we talk I remember why I like him so much. He's told me twice he would date me if we were in the same town and how he hasn't met anyone he would date where he lives.

Now the tough part. My mom hates him because he rarely calls me. We do most of our communicating through texting/Facebook Chat. He told me up front he's not a phone person and since he's trying to go to med school I know he's REALLY busy.

Where its becoming a dilemma is I go through the phases where I REALLY miss him and he's the only person I've met that I've had chemistry with. We talk about anything and everything and even though we're far apart we help each other sort through life. Sometimes I wonder if I'm in love with him but its scary because most of my family doesn't like him. My mom even told me to stop communicating with him because he's not worth it.

So I guess the question is do I forget about him and move on or try to make something work?